Does anyone else remember animator Harry Holt?

[crazymomof4]

Harry Holt was an animator whose history with the Disney organization went back to the 1930's. He worked with Walt himself! He was 75 when we met him the first time in 1988. A few times a week he would sit at his desk in the building just across from City Hall on Main Street. On a first-come first-serve basis he would put the finishing touches on a Disney pencil animation cell of your choice while you watched. Then he would sign and date it all for free. It was very impromptu, not announced, and they would only let about 20 people in the line and then cut it off. We were priviledged enough to recieve 2 such cells- one in 1988 (Pinnochio) and one in 1992(Bambi). They are treasured and hanging in my DS 7's bedroom.

I was wondering if there was anyone else on the boards who remembers meeting Mr. Holt?

 

[DisMN]

Yes, I remember him well. He and I had a fun conversation while he finished a sketch for me...hubby got it all on video.

I don't believe I have a cell though, it's just a plain piece of paper (framed), probably not worth anything except the delightful memories.

Thanks for the neat post. It brought back some wonderful memories.

 

[HollyNEd]

I got a pooh one many years ago and have it proudly hanging in my DD's room. That is one cherished memory I will never forget talking to him. He was so interesting to talk to. Does anyone know if he is still alive?

Holly

 

[jk1]

Disney animator Harry Holt dies


By Reuters
CASSELBERRY, Fla. -- Harry Holt, a former Disney animator who helped design legendary scenes in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" and "Lady and the Tramp," has died. Holt, 93, died April 14.

Holt's career with Disney began in 1936, when he applied to become an artist. To test his skills, he was told to take the major Disney characters and write and illustrate a scenario for each in comic-strip style. After two weeks of training, he began as an apprentice and quickly worked his way to playing a role in the development of Snow White.

He remained with Disney for 20 years until he left to work in television production and art direction. After a couple of years in Chicago, he moved back to Los Angeles and joined Hanna-Barbera Studios, where he worked on the Flintstones TV series and Tom and Jerry cartoons.

Holt returned to Disney in the 1960s as plans were being developed for Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Holt became chief designer, assigned to interpret and design sculptural forms for Disney World. He sculpted the original models of characters for several rides including Pirates of the Caribbean. Those models were then used as references for the sculpture department to create life-size animatronic characters. Other attractions based on his models were Country Bear Jamboree, Snow White, Peter Pan and the Haunted Mansion.

Before retiring in the early 1990s, he greeted guests at the Disney/MGM Studio Preview Center in Orlando and signed replicas of his Disney character sketches.

"Disney was his life," said Barbara Holt, his wife.

 

[crazymomof4]

Originally posted by DisMN

I don't believe I have a cell though, it's just a plain piece of paper (framed), probably not worth anything except the delightful memories.

When we were given the artwork they were refered to as "cells". Maybe that was incorrect because mine are also done on plain paper which we had framed,

jk1 -Thanks for posting the obituary. I thought he may have passed on by now. Was that April of this year or earlier?

 

[mickeys friend]

I remember him well. We have several of his drawings from when he was on Main Street.He was very nice.To bad they do not do anything like that now.He will be missed.

 

[HollyNEd]

I just did a search and found it was just this year he passed away. After looking it up I now know why I loved the Flintstones so much Now I wish I could have talked to him longer what a neat man.


Holly

 

[DisMN]

Originally posted by HollyNEd
I just did a search and found it was just this year he passed away. After looking it up I now know why I loved the Flintstones so much Now I wish I could have talked to him longer what a neat man.


Holly

He was fun to talk to wasn't he? We visited with him the year the temps were minus 60 degrees back home and only 60 degrees in Orlando. When I told him of the temperature difference he shivered and said "How can you STAND it? I can hardly handle it this cold! See my winter jacket? *as he pointed to it hanging on the back of his chair*"

LOL He was very gracious, a true gentleman. As he handed me the picture he shook my hand and told me he enjoyed meeting me! How sweet was that?

Truly, as you can tell, it's a favorite Disney memory of mine. Thanks again to the OP for posting this thread.

 

[Tigger&Tink]

Oh yes,,,,we have 5 prints from him,,,,we would run to be in the line of only a few....he was a very delightful gentelmen,,,,

My favorite print is of Beauty and the Beast, because that is the only one that had COLOR in it (THE RED ROSE)


Tink

 

[crazymomof4]

I have a 1989 magazine article that featured Harry. I think it was a Disney magazine that they sent to their stock holders (my parents are). It was back when Cheverolet was a Disney sponser or partner (some affiliation). The article relates animation to the design of vehicles.
Anyway, it has a large picture of Harry and a little bit about him. I've saved it all these years and show it to anyone who notices the prints Harry did for us.

If any of you are interested in recieviing this article via e-mail just PM me with your e-mail address. I'd be happy to share it with you.