THE ANIMATIONNATION COLLECTION

The AnimationNation collection brings together original artwork from the history of animation: production drawings, cels, layouts, model sheets, storyboards, concept art and other material created during the making of animated films and television. The collection ranges from early studio animation to contemporary productions and includes work from Europe, the United States, Japan and elsewhere. We collect not simply by name or commercial value, but by artistic quality, expression, craftsmanship and what an object can tell us about the animation process.

Some works are connected with celebrated artists and major studios, including Carl Barks, Chuck Jones, Disney, Warner Bros., Fleischer, MGM and Hanna-Barbera. Others come from lesser-known productions whose surviving artwork can be just as remarkable. A rough drawing, an unusual pose, a character study or a production cel can reveal the creative decisions behind a few seconds of animation. Seen outside the finished film, these works allow us to appreciate the animator’s hand and imagination in a completely different way.

The collection also reflects the international character of animation. Japanese anime, European productions and American studio animation developed their own visual languages and working methods, but all depend on artists transforming drawings and ideas into movement. AnimationNation uses the collection to create changing exhibitions in Schiedam and in collaboration with museums and cultural institutions.

Our ambition is to develop more museum and travelling exhibitions internationally, bringing original animation art into new contexts and to new audiences.

Animation art was made to move. We believe the original art behind it deserves to be seen.