What an elegant piece of concept art this is! Disneyland artist and Imagineer Sam McKim produced many pieces for the park, most notably artwork for Frontierland. Notice the horse drawn buggy in the background on the right side? It's a little bit of one era meeting another. Just like this piece which fits snuggly into New Orleans Square as well as the Old West.
The iconic attraction Pirates of the Caribbean would open two years later than when this piece was produced back in 1964. The 1960's were a time of great productivity for the folks who worked for Walt and on his park. Some think newer decades have produced greater attractions, but the one-two-three punch of Pirates, Haunted Mansion and a sparkling New Tomorrowland set a pace and standard that hasn't been matched since.
(Note: Make sure you read the attached comment. This reader has some fascinating information about what lies beyond this image as he worked in the park in this area!)
(Note: Make sure you read the attached comment. This reader has some fascinating information about what lies beyond this image as he worked in the park in this area!)
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
Who knew that behind these buildings... on the second floor... backstage, is where the Adventureland/Frontierland break room was (or still is). Behind the windows of the blue building on the second floor was the Golden Horseshoe dressing room for the ladies. The 2nd floor building to the left, with the beautiful wrought iron railings, was Fulton Burley's dressing room. The building to the far right, 2nd floor was occupied by the Adventureland/Frontierland offices and conference room. I spent many a year working (and breaking) on the back side of these beautiful Sam McKim drawn buildings.
ReplyDeleteAlways your pal,
Amazon Belle