When visiting Disneyland, it can be easy for the average guest to forget about the hundreds of pieces of concept art that were created in the development of any attraction. But not for me. For two decades, I’ve been in love with the concept work Imagineer Rolly Crump did for Disneyland, especially his ideas for the Haunted Mansion. I fell down a Crump rabbit hole eons ago, stumbling upon the work he did outside of Disney, which proved to be absolutely chaotic and delightful. So when I heard there was an exhibit of his non-Disney work, I knew Patrick and I had to go! If you don’t know who Rolly Crump is, and you love the groovy and psychedelic, then boy you’re in for a treat!

For the uninitiated Crump began his Disney career as an in-between artist and assistant animator for such classics as Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and Sleeping Beauty. He transitioned to Imagineer and contributed to “it’s a small world” for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, including the Tower of the Four Winds sculpture that was situated outside. He also developed elements for The Enchanted Tiki Room and The Haunted Mansion. He later went on to develop elements for Knott’s Berry Farm’s Bear-y Tales ride. All wholesome and family friendly ventures!  But Crump had another side, which was cheeky to say the least. Painted ladies, faux drug advertisements, and posters for hip beatnik clubs in the Los Angeles area.

Last weekend Crump’s son, Chris, debuted a collection of his father’s work at Song-Word Art House, located just across the street from the legendary Whiskey a Go-Go. It was a treat to gaze upon the not-so-Disney work of Crump and chat with Crump’s children. Additionally, we were thrilled to be able to purchase an original screenprint from the late 50s. So we are now the proud owners of a “Cocaine Candy” print.

Another highlight was the collaboration Chris did with another one of my favorite artists, Hayden Evans. For one reason or another, Crump never finished his poster for the Insomniac Bookshop. The abandoned poster later landed on eBay, and the buyer gifted it to Chris. Last year Chris decided to have it finished. Impressed by Evans’ work, he asked him to complete the poster with a hi-res scan.

Sadly this exhibit was only three days, and has closed. Song-Word Art House is a gallery that will for sure be on my radar going forward.

While Crump’s The Lost Exhibition is no longer on display, you can check out Song-Word’s website for future shows and visit them at 8912 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood.

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Whisky A Go Go