‘Crump’s The Lost Exhibition’ Shines a Light on Rolly Crump’s Lesser-Known Work
When legendary Imagineer Rolly Crump passed away last year at the age of 93, much attention was (rightly) paid to his innumerable contributions to Disney Parks.
Crump joined Walt Disney Studios in 1952 as an in-between artist and assistant animator on films such as Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and Sleeping Beauty.
In 1959, however, he made the jump to WED Enterprises, where he helped develop the Haunted Mansion, Enchanted Tiki Room, and the Adventureland Bazaar for Disneyland.
Photo: Los Angeles Times via Christopher Crump
Impressed with his work, Walt Disney selected Crump to help design the Disney attractions for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair.
His work for the fair included “it’s a small world”, for which he designed the iconic Tower of the Four Winds marquee.
Crump’s ‘The Lost Exhibition’
As it turns out, Disney was not the only thing on Crump’s mind during this period. He also worked on a series of folk-house-inspired and rock ‘n’ roll posters and other personal pieces.
Photo: Los Angeles Times via Christopher Crump
Fans can get a glimpse into this period of Crump’s life when the new Crump’s The Lost Exhibition opens at the West Hollywood gallery Song-Word Art House later this week!
Curated by Rolly’s son, Christopher, the exhibit shines a light on Crump’s lesser-known personal works.
Photo: Disney
“This is a personal thing for me,” Christopher told the Los Angeles Times. “This is the exhibition that never happened. He should have done this. He should have had more gallery shows. The only real gallery stuff was when he had the Crump’s shop on Ventura Boulevard, but he never had a formal gallery show.”
Another Side of Rolly
The exhibition will be open to the public Friday through Sunday, giving fans a brief opportunity to explore another side of Rolly Crump. Christopher will be on hand all three days to tell stories about his father.
According to Rolly’s son, the work showcased in The Lost Exhibition would help Crump eventually create his Disney masterpieces.
Photo: D23
“Because he was drawing every day, his line work, his composition, his technical chops as an artist got better. That led to how he was able to come up with stuff in the Tiki Room, the toys in Small World. He didn’t wake up and roll out of bed one morning and become really good. There was a gradual development of who he was. Then he got to a confidence level. He knew who he was, and he was unapologetic about it,” Christopher said.
To learn more about the exhibition or RSVP, visit Song-Word.com
