“I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.” — Walt Disney, 1954

The roots of Disney animation trace back to 1928, when the first animated shorts starring Mickey Mouse were created, introducing the world to what would become one of the most iconic characters in entertainment history. Mickey emerged during a pivotal moment in Walt Disney’s career, following the loss of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a character he had previously created for Universal Studios. Due to contractual disputes and the ownership of Oswald remaining with Universal, Walt made the bold decision to part ways and establish his own independent studio.

Alongside Ub Iwerks, Les Clark, and Wilfred Jackson, Walt began developing a new character that would represent a fresh beginning. Inspired by a pet mouse from his childhood, Walt initially named the character “Mortimer Mouse,” before settling on the friendlier and more enduring name, Mickey Mouse.

Mickey’s immediate popularity led to an ever-expanding cast of characters, including beloved figures such as Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, and later Chip and Dale. While the Disney universe continued to grow, Mickey Mouse remained at its heart — a timeless symbol of imagination, innovation, and the foundation upon which the studio was built.

All of these pieces are original vintage production cels from the 1928 - 1967 Disney animated shorts. There are no reproductions, limited editions, or sericels. All of my artwork is 100% original production.

In order to view more detailed information about each individual piece, click on each image.