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Disney and Animation
Lot 168
A Pair of Original Photographs Featuring Aerial Views of Construction on the Matterhorn Bobsleds Attraction in Disneyland Taken by Mell Kilpatrick
4 – 14 June 2024, 12:00 PDT
Online, Los AngelesUS$500 - US$700
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A Pair of Original Photographs Featuring Aerial Views of Construction on the Matterhorn Bobsleds Attraction in Disneyland Taken by Mell Kilpatrick
Comprising two silver gelatin photographs, both 8 x 10 in., 1958-59, both stamped on verso, both from the original negatives, both featuring aerial views (one closer) of construction in progress on the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride. In 1958, when Walt Disney was on location in Switzerland making the film, Third Man on the Mountain (1959), he became intrigued by the Matterhorn and decided it must be the next Disneyland attraction. The Matterhorn opened at Disneyland on June 14, 1959, and was a rollercoaster ride which, over the years, has evolved from a large open space to a group of ice caves. At the time it opened, the Matterhorn was 147 feet tall and considered the tallest man-made structure in Orange County. It didn't take long for this distinction to die, however, as Orange Country continued to expand. Throughout its many renovations and updates, the Matterhorn has remained one of the most popular rides at Disneyland, and it can be seen from almost any location in the park.
Photographer Mell Kilpatrick was one of the fortunate few allowed to photograph Disneyland during its construction period, on opening day, and after. He was hand-picked by Walt Disney himself and many of his Disney photographs have not been seen for decades. Originally a photographer for the Orange County Register, he was often first on the scene of major crimes and accidents, but his photographs of Disneyland are the jewels of his career.
8 x 10 in.
Photographer Mell Kilpatrick was one of the fortunate few allowed to photograph Disneyland during its construction period, on opening day, and after. He was hand-picked by Walt Disney himself and many of his Disney photographs have not been seen for decades. Originally a photographer for the Orange County Register, he was often first on the scene of major crimes and accidents, but his photographs of Disneyland are the jewels of his career.
8 x 10 in.
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