Original iconic Disney drawings on display in Beijing

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A rare collection of original animated drawings and celluloid is on display at the National Museum of Classic Books. Fans of Disney films and Japanese anime should not miss this amazing exhibition.

More than 400 original pencil drawings and production celluloid frames for some of the world's most well known animated films are in the Chinese capital for the first time.

A picture is shown from the animation exhibition at National Museum of Classic Books in Beijing, July 23, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Cartoon characters from Disney's animated films, such as Snow White, Pinocchio, Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan are featured.

One of the highlights is the precious collection of production celluloid, a common sight during the early era of animation.

"Celluloid is a transparent sheet on which objects are drawn or painted for traditional, hand-drawn animation. It was used during the first half of the 20th century, but since it was flammable and dimensionally unstable, it was largely replaced by other materials."

Photo taken on July 23, 2018 from an animation exhibition at National Museum of Classic Books in Beijing. /Xinhua Photo

"And with the development of computer-assisted animation production, the use of celluloid has been abandoned in major productions. So the celluloid on display are pretty rare to see," says curator Wang Zifeng.

Original sketches of Mickey Mouse are also on display, as are sketches with Walt Disney’s autographs.

Added to the collection are 84 exhibits that have been provided by Marianne Robin, the daughter of artist Vaytch Robin, who created many drawings for the Walt Disney Animation Studios in the 1930s.

The exhibition also includes original drawings and celluloid frames from Japanese manga and anime.

"Visitors can find some of the most popular Japanese animations, including 'Dragon Ball,' 'One Piece,' 'Detective Conan' and 'Astro Boy,'" says curator Wang Zifeng.

Photo taken on July 23, 2018, from an animation exhibition at National Museum of Classic Books in Beijing. /Xinhua Photo

The exhibition also set up a replica of the working environment of the Walt Disney Studio in the 1930s, where visitors can sketch their own characters.

"I made a sketch of Mickey and Minnie. They are beautiful and adorable. I like them," says a visitor.

The exhibition runs through Oct. 14 at the National Museum of Classic Books.