Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Pyle, Willis
- Abstract:
- The Pyle, W. mss. 1925-2006, consists of letters, original animation drawings, and works of art relating to Willis Pyle's career as an animator and artist.
- Extent:
- 8 Boxes (2 standard, 6 custom), 1 folio, 1 folio (oversize), and 15 Volumes
- Language:
- Materials are in English
- Preferred citation:
[Item], Pyle, W. mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
Background
- Biographical / Historical:
Willis Pyle (b. September 4, 1914) made his first contact with the Walt Disney Studios while still a student at the University of Colorado. He soon moved to Hollywood, trained in animation, and worked on such classic Disney features as Fantasia, Bambi and Pinocchio. During World War II he worked on animated films for the armed services. After joining the newly-formed production company UPA, he played an important role in the development of popular cartoon characters of the early fifties, such as Mr. Magoo and was a principal animator in the Academy Award winning Gerald McBoing-Boing. He has been for many years an honored member of the Society of Illustrators in New York City. He continued to paint and exhibit in Manhattan up to his death at the age of 101.
- Scope and Content:
The collection includes correspondence, photographs, artwork, personal items, scrapbook materials, and miscellaneous materials.
Correspondents include: Ruth and Ray Boggs; Howard Brokaw; Maude Campbell; Wilmer B. Eames; Oliver Johnston; Lew Kettler; Virgil, Helen, and Paula Partch; Ben Pyle; Denver Pyle; Lorraine Pyle; Willis Pyle; Society of Illustrators; Frank Thomas.
Some of the animation drawings were done for a particular project while others were done post–production. The collection also contains printed items illustrated by Pyle, as well as materials related to his time at the Disney Studios.
- Acquisition information:
- Acquired 2004-2005, 2008; 2012-2016.
- Physical location:
- ALF (Auxiliary Library Facility) - OVFlat; Lilly - Folio; Lilly - Stacks
Indexed Terms
- Subjects:
- Animators --United States --Correspondence
Animators --United States
Artists --United States --Correspondence
Artists --United States
Art
Motion picture film - Names:
- Pyle, Willis --Correspondence.
Boggs, Ruth --Correspondence.
Boggs, Ray --Correspondence.
Brokaw, Howard P. --Correspondence.
Campbell, Maude --Correspondence.
Eames, Wilmer B. --Correspondence.
Johnston, Oliver --Correspondence.
Virgil, Helen --Correspondence.
Kettler, Lew --Correspondence.
Pyle, Ben --Correspondence.
Pyle, Denver --Correspondence.
Pyle, Lorraine --Correspondence.
Thomas, Frank --Correspondence.
Access
- RESTRICTIONS:
-
This collection is open for research.
Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.
- TERMS OF ACCESS:
-
Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.
- PREFERRED CITATION:
-
[Item], Pyle, W. mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
- CAMPUS:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
-
1200 East Seventh StreetBloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
- CAMPUS:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- CONTACT:
-
(812) 855-2452liblilly@indiana.edu