Inspiring Walt Disney: Cogsworth Tote from The Met Museum

Our tote features costumer Peter J. Hall’s (British, 1926-2010) concept art for Cogsworth, the beloved mantel clock from Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991). The design presents a loose amalgamation of horological styles, comparable to the exquisite timepieces crafted by marquetry master Andreì Charles Boulle (French, 1642-1732)-several of which are in The Met collection. This item was created in celebration of Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts. Presented alongside the 30th anniversary of the animated theatrical release of Beauty and the Beast (1991), the exhibition examines Walt Disney’s personal fascination with European decorative arts and design, and draws new parallels between Walt Disney Animation Studios’ enchanting creations and their artistic models, including Gothic Revival architecture, medieval design, and Rococo-inspired objects.