RALPH KENT, LEGENDARY DISNEY IMAGINEER AND PROLIFIC MARKETING/MERCHANDISING ARTIST FOR OVER 41 YEARS;
DESIGNED FIRST MICKEY MOUSE WATCH FOR ADULTS

Ralph Kent was a legendary Disney “Imagineer” and prolific marketing/merchandising designer and artist for over 41 years. Among his numerous career achievements, Ralph designed the first limited-edition Mickey Mouse watch for adults, and created a wide range of marketing materials and merchandise for Disney’s four attractions at the 1964-5 New York Worlds Fair, and for all of the Disney Theme Parks.

Born January 28th, 1939 in New York, Ralph had a lifelong fascination and appreciation for Disney art and culture. At age 10, he transformed the basement walls of his home into a giant mural of Disney characters from such films as “Alice in Wonderland” and “Cinderella.” An encouraging response to a letter sent to Walt Disney himself led Ralph to pursue his dream of working for the Studio. After graduating from the University of Buffalo Albright Art School in 1960, and a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, he headed west.

Ralph began his association with Disney in 1963 as a marketing production artist for Disneyland, where his first assignments included developing marketing materials for the “Jungle Cruise,” “Enchanted Tiki Room,” and more. He went on to develop training materials (in collaboration with fellow Disney Legends Van Arsdale France and Dick Nunis) for the Disney University. He is credited with designing many of the Disney Theme Parks’ most memorable souvenirs and collectibles. His most famous creation was the first limited-edition Mickey Mouse watch for adults (in 1965). Walt Disney was so fond of the watch that he presented Ralph’s creation to all of his top executives.

Ralph relocated to Florida in 1971 to design a wide range of souvenirs and merchandise (including license plates, bumper stickers, etc.) for Walt Disney World. Eight years later, he became director of Walt Disney Imagineering East, overseeing Florida staff support for EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland. In 1990, he joined the Disney Design Group as a corporate trainer, mentoring new artists and creating an extensive reference collection of character model sheets.

After 41 years of dedicated service to The Walt Disney Company, Ralph retired in May, 2004, and continued to consult on special projects. He remained the expert on all things related to Disney characters, and guided new artists in the ways of drawing the classic characters for merchandise, and offered advice on their personalities and how they would interact.

Ralph was made a Disney Legend (an honor bestowed by the Company on individuals who have made major contributions over the years) in 2004, and was further honored with his own “window on Main Street” in the Magic Kingdom (at Walt Disney World). His inscription on a window facing Cinderella Castle, reads “The Ralph Kent Collection: Fine Arts and Collectibles. Anaheim, Lake Buena Vista and Tokyo.”

Ralph passed away on September 10, 2007 at his home in Kissimmee, Florida from complications due to esophageal cancer. He was 68-years old.