Van Eaton Gallery Auctions “The Bob Clampett Collection” March 22nd and 23rd
February 28th, 2025 
Jerry Beck 
Announcing Van Eaton Galleries’ Bob Clampett Auction, a once-in-a-lifetime two-day event featuring the collection of one of animation’s most influential pioneers! Over 950 lots are live including original animation art from Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies classics, original puppets from “Time for Beany,” Beany and Cecil merchandise, a Charlie McCarthy stop-motion armature, and even rare photos of Walt Disney.
Clampett created or refined Warner Bros.’ most beloved cartoon characters of all time: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Tweety Bird. He collaborated with famed author Edgar Rice Burroughs on a never-produced John Carter of Mars animated serial, art from which is included in this auction. A young Clampett even helped Charlotte Clark create the very first Mickey Mouse doll!
Clampett directed many of the greatest, and looniest, cartoons ever, including “Porky in Wackyland” and the “Fantasia” spoof “A Corny Concerto.” His Emmy-winning puppet show “Time for Beany,” one of the first television pop culture phenomenons, counted Albert Einstein among its fans, and with its animated successor “Beany and Cecil” was rife with Clampett’s love of puns and topical humor.
This can’t-miss auction is one for the ages. Clampett’s work inspired generations of artists and brought joy to millions worldwide. This is your chance to own historic collectibles from the artist who collaborated with icons Walt Disney and Dr. Seuss while establishing Warner Bros.’ looney cartoon style!
A panel to discuss the life and legacy of Bob Clampett is being assembled for a Gallery open house on Sunday March 16th. Details to come. Catalogs are now available to order now and view online! Here are a few treats on the auction block:
The lost original titles for THE HEP CAT (1942)
Original art of “Piggy” that was used on two early Merrie Melodies cartoons.
Carl W. Stalling’s business card
Unused piece of Harman Ising studio letterhead
Writer, cartoon producer and author of more than 15 books on animation history. A former studio exec with Nickelodeon and Disney; currently on the faculty at both CalArts in Valencia and Woodbury University in Burbank, California.
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