Animation Art Market Surges as Propstore Launches Inaugural Standalone Auction

Propstore is holding its first standalone animation art auction on July 8-9, expected to generate $1 million. The sale features over 400 lots, including storyboards, drawings, and original cels from classics like Disney's Fantasia (1940), Alice in Wonderland (1951), Dragon Ball Z, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Pokémon. The top lot is a Simpsons cel from season 11 episode 'Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder' (1999), estimated at $33,000-$66,000. Russell Singler, Propstore's animation art expert, notes demand is 'very strong' and that franchises beyond Disney are gaining traction as collectors seek personal nostalgia. Heritage Auctions set a record $5.19 million for Disney animation art in 2025, while Christie's sold a Sailor Moon drawing for $88,900 in March. The auction preview runs July 2-5 at Borough Yards, London. Additionally, the article covers other collectibles: Boy George's wardrobe auction at Julien's Auctions on July 14 benefiting MusiCares; a juvenile Triceratops skull at Joopiter on July 1 ($600,000-$800,000); Johnny Marr's guitar sale at Christie's on September 17; Pelé's 1958 World Cup shirt at Sotheby's ($6 million+ estimate); Jim Irsay's collection at Christie's on July 1 including an Alcoholics Anonymous manuscript ($1-2 million); and a Fendi Baguette from Elizabeth Taylor's collection that sold for $21,590 at Christie's in June, becoming the most valuable Fendi Baguette at auction.