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Lot Essay
Building on the philanthropic traditions begun by the world-famous animator and film producer Walt Disney, the sale of works from the Ron and Diane Disney Miller Collection will benefit charitable and philanthropic causes that are close to the family’s heart. Walt Disney was a pioneer of the modern entertainment industry; from the humble beginnings of Steamboat Willie—the 8-minute animated film that introduced Mickey Mouse to the world in 1928—to the internationally renowned theme park empire, Disney’s legacy continues to be felt around the world nearly a century later. A pioneering philanthropist, Disney in his heyday would surprise sick children in hospitals around Los Angeles, frequently accompanied by Disney characters and animators, hoping to bring the patients a few moments of joy.
As Walt Disney’s eldest daughter, Diane Disney Miller inherited her father’s remarkable enthusiasm and energy, as well as his commitment to philanthropy and the arts, particularly classical music. Diane was married for nearly 60 years to Ron Miller, a professional football player who became president and CEO of the Walt Disney Company from 1978-84. Especially devoted to raising her seven children, Diane was also an unstoppable creative force who undertook an active role in documenting and supporting the accomplishments of her father. These efforts culminated in the 2009 opening of the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, a 40,000-square foot institution housing historic archival materials and artifacts paired with the newest technology to bring the Disney legacy to life.
Proceeds from the sale of Wayne Thiebaud’s delightful Mickey Mouse will fund programming initiatives at the museum, while the sale of the remainder of the collection will benefit a selection of other meaningful causes near to the family’s heart, including: the Jane Goodall Institute, and their valuable work in the field of primate research and global conservation; the HALO Trust and their life-saving work to remove landmines around the world; the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles; and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The latter is of particular significance to the Disney family, as in 1987, Lilian B. Disney (Walt Disney’s widow, and Diane Disney Miller’s mother) gave an initial donation of $50 million to build a performance venue in memory of her husband. Today, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is widely regarded as one of the finest classical music venues in America—a fitting reflection of Disney’s love of music, a love famously shared with the world through his collaboration with conductor Leopold Stokowski to combine classical music with animation in the 1940 film Fantasia.
For most of her life, Diane Disney Miller eschewed the limelight that her famous name could easily have afforded her. Instead, she directed her efforts into ensuring the true legacy of her famous father. The charitable fund which she set up—and which will benefit from the proceeds of this sale—will continue her father’s legacy of supporting art, music, and philanthropy.
As Walt Disney’s eldest daughter, Diane Disney Miller inherited her father’s remarkable enthusiasm and energy, as well as his commitment to philanthropy and the arts, particularly classical music. Diane was married for nearly 60 years to Ron Miller, a professional football player who became president and CEO of the Walt Disney Company from 1978-84. Especially devoted to raising her seven children, Diane was also an unstoppable creative force who undertook an active role in documenting and supporting the accomplishments of her father. These efforts culminated in the 2009 opening of the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, a 40,000-square foot institution housing historic archival materials and artifacts paired with the newest technology to bring the Disney legacy to life.
Proceeds from the sale of Wayne Thiebaud’s delightful Mickey Mouse will fund programming initiatives at the museum, while the sale of the remainder of the collection will benefit a selection of other meaningful causes near to the family’s heart, including: the Jane Goodall Institute, and their valuable work in the field of primate research and global conservation; the HALO Trust and their life-saving work to remove landmines around the world; the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles; and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The latter is of particular significance to the Disney family, as in 1987, Lilian B. Disney (Walt Disney’s widow, and Diane Disney Miller’s mother) gave an initial donation of $50 million to build a performance venue in memory of her husband. Today, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is widely regarded as one of the finest classical music venues in America—a fitting reflection of Disney’s love of music, a love famously shared with the world through his collaboration with conductor Leopold Stokowski to combine classical music with animation in the 1940 film Fantasia.
For most of her life, Diane Disney Miller eschewed the limelight that her famous name could easily have afforded her. Instead, she directed her efforts into ensuring the true legacy of her famous father. The charitable fund which she set up—and which will benefit from the proceeds of this sale—will continue her father’s legacy of supporting art, music, and philanthropy.