Animator Harry Holt at Work and with His Drawings
Disney Historian Jim Korkis wrote a feature article for the AllEars® Newsletter that ran on January 10, 2017. In it, he told the story of Disney animator and sculptor Harry Holt, who started a new Disney career in 1987 at the age of 76 in a nook in the lobby of the Disneyana Collectibles Store (later known as Exposition Hall) in Main Street's Town Square at the Magic Kingdom. Until he turned 83 years old, he sat behind an animator's desk interacting with guests. Originally, the job was to promote the opening of the Disney-MGM Studios with its new animation studio, but Holt proved so popular and beloved that he remained there for seven years, working limited hours five days a week. Several AllEars® sent in their photos and memories of Holt at work, along with scans of some of his drawings. You can read the original feature article HERE.
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You got my attention with your article "Do You Remember Harry Holt?" ! I was one of the guests that he drew a character for in 1988 — my fave, Sorcerer Mickey. I still have it framed in my home. — Kathy Stumpmier |
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I missed the afternoon parade with my family waiting in line on 2-12-88 to have Sorcerer Mickey drawn for me. Well worth it! I have treasured it ever since! — Kathy Stumpmier |
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While reading the newsletter about Harry Holt, it brought back a wonderful memory. During my first ever visit to Walt Disney World with my future wife in the fall of 1987 we were fortunate to meet Harry Holt. He hand-drew two pictures for us. These are large 11 x 14 pencil drawings on plain paper. One is of Mickey Mouse and the other is of Figaro. He personalized each and signed and dated them. What a wonderful souvenir from my first trip. The pictures are framed and hang to this day in our home. — Wayne Chadourne |
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I loved the article about Harry Holt. I have two of his drawings from a Walt Disney World trip in September 1988. I have a photo of him doing the drawing. |
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I remember Harry Holt fondly. I have 17 of his "drawings" and remember how nice he was while he was working. I have a photo of him drawing one of my pictures from October 1991. He is sitting at his desk. It is one of my favorite photos in my scrapbook. |
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Thanks for the article on Harry Holt. I am going to print it and save it for my daughter. I have a wall of his art in my home. My grandmother and a group of other seniors would go to the park once a week. This is how they got their exercise. Every time we went we visited Mr. Holt and he would create a piece for us. I have several of his that are drawn from scratch. Once he was noticed and became popular he switched to the touched-up photocopies of his sketches, saving him time. |
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Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.
