Wonderful multi-signed retirement card presented to Fred Schlatter, the longtime gardener at Walt Disney Studios, which features a trimmed photo of Schlatter placed on a hand-painted scene of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy trying their hand at gardening, with Schlatter pictured relaxing at the base of a tree. A caption above Mickey reads: “Fred is retiring after 27 years. No one can ever replace him, but Walt says we can try!” The painting is matted and framed to an overall size of 24.25 x 20.5, with the mat impressively signed in ink and ballpoint by over 230 employees of Walt Disney Studios, highlighted by Walt and Roy Disney, whose can signatures are found in the upper border. A full list of signers is included and available upon request. In fine condition, with light toning to the perimeter, and fading to a handful of lesser names.
A brilliant hand-painted 'fond farewell' to a widely beloved Walt Disney Studios fixture; Schlatter's name appeared in the first issue of The Bulletin (January 6, 1939), an in-house Disney company newspaper that explained Schlatter's amazing ability to concoct gags for the Donald Duck strip. Highlighted by the uncommon presence of both Walt and Roy, this retirement card and its incredible signature total is ready-made for further research, with a quick glance turning up the names of legendary animator Ub Iwerks and influential producer Bill Anderson.
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