Mary Blair: The Disney Artist Who Changed Animation Forever (But You’ve Never Heard of Her)

When you think of classic Disney movies like Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan, you probably picture their dreamy, colourful worlds. But did you know that much of Disney’s signature visual magic came from Mary Blair, the woman behind the bold, modernist concept art that shaped these films?

Despite her groundbreaking contributions, Blair’s name was nearly erased from history. Walt Disney himself adored her work, yet she rarely received public credit. From revolutionising animation aesthetics to designing the whimsical look of It’s a Small World, her influence is everywhere—but few people know her story.

In this deep dive, we explore Mary Blair’s life, her artistic impact on Disney, and why it took decades for her to get the recognition she deserves. If you love animation, illustration, or stories of brilliant women who changed history, this one’s for you.

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