CHRIS PETERSON
WDCC Sculptor
Chris Peterson is an artist and sculptor whose work for the Walt Disney Classics Collection spans classic animation, special-event releases and more contemporary Disney films.
His work combines a strong background in animation with a lifelong interest in drawing, character design and three-dimensional sculpture.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Discover the artist behind the sculptures
Chris Peterson's connection with animation began at an early age. His aunt worked at the Disney Studio, including on The Jungle Book, and regularly sent him drawings from the animated productions she was working on. Chris would study them, practice drawing the characters and send his own drawings back to her.
At just 15 years old, he began working for his aunt in assistant animation. A year later, he moved to California and joined Filmation Studios full-time, contributing to productions including Flash Gordon, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and Fat Albert. He later moved into character design and, by the age of 19, sculpture.
His animation career later included projects such as The Secret of NIMH, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Rover Dangerfield and Once Upon a Forest.
CHRIS PETERSON & WDCC
Work for the Walt Disney Classics Collection
Chris Peterson began sculpting for the Walt Disney Classics Collection in 1994. His earliest WDCC sculptures included Lady in Love and Tramp in Love, the Fairy Godmother from Cinderella, and Ben Ali Gator and Hyacinth Hippo from Fantasia.
His work for the collection went on to cover an unusually broad range of characters, films and special releases. He also sculpted I Have Always Loved Trains, featuring the C.K. Holliday locomotive from Disneyland, alongside many character sculptures and collector-event pieces.
NOTABLE WDCC CREATIONS
A selection of sculptures created by Chris Peterson
BEYOND WDCC
Other projects and collectible lines
When the animation industry slowed in 1987, Chris joined Applause Inc. as a product designer and sculptor. In 1989, he left to form a creative partnership with his wife, Michelle, working in design, sculpture and painting for animation, toy and giftware companies.
Together they created a wide variety of collectibles and licensed products, from PVC figures and sculpted picture frames to ceramic and porcelain figurines.
- Lenox Collections
- Olszewski Disney Storytime Collection
- Animation Maquettes
- Harmony Kingdom
- Starlite by Legends
- Looney Tunes Spotlight Collection for Goebel
DID YOU KNOW?
A little story behind the artist
In 2001, Chris Peterson created A Mad Whirl for the Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics at Walt Disney World.
The special sculpture featured the Mad Hatter aboard a teacup and was produced as a limited edition of 750 pieces.