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  • Snow White Premiere Night

    Snow White Premiere Night

    Snow White Premiere at the Carthay Circle Theatre
    Once Upon a Time Store
    Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    Walt Disney World, Florida
    GPS: 28.35857, -81.559789

    When Walt Disney moved to California from Kansas City in 1923, he dove into the film industry, head first. He spent many of his days inside the film studios, 

    Tom Sito: “Walt wanted to be in with the movie moguls, because the thing about Hollywood… Hollywood was a new place. And Walt said, ‘Why not me?’ He would attend meetings of what they called ‘The Commission’. Which was the studio heads would meet and talk about what’s happening in town, in Hollywood. And he would go to every premiere. He would go to every function. Playing Polo with these guys. Because he wanted to be part of that group. While they were like, ‘Well, you’re the cartoon guy.’ ‘You’re no threat, you’re a cartoon guy.’

    Walt was also in awe of how all of Hollywood would turn up in their finest clothes, with massive crowds gathered, for the premiere of the biggest films. Walt had a dream that one day, all of Hollywood would show up for one of his films. But the problem was, Walt made cartoons, and cartoons were not taken seriously. 

    —————

    THE SKELETON DANCE

    In 1929, Walt began diversifying.  He took a break from Mickey Mouse and produced his very first Silly Symphony, The Skeleton Dance. At that time, people only wanted Disney to create Mickey Mouse films. They didn’t want anything different. Walt convinced Carthay Circle owner, Fred Miller, to take a chance and book The Skeleton Dance into his theater in August 1929.

    The massive success of this short film opened the door for Walt to ask the theater owner for another favor, nine years later.

    —————

    SNOW WHITE PREMIERE NIGHT

    Carthay Circle Theater would host the premiere of the world’s very first feature-length animated cartoon, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

    December 21, 1937

    Walt had put every ounce of his passion and every dollar he had into this film and this opening. Critics dubbed the film “Disney’s Folly”, for they doubted that anyone would want to see Walt’s film, and that Disney had produced a flop. Walt’s own wife and even his brother Roy had tried to talk him out of making this film.

    Animator Ward Kimball: “When I went to the premiere of Snow White at the old Carthay Circle Theatre, we were all very apprehensive, because we had been told by all the big movie moguls in Hollywood that people just wouldn’t sit still for an hour and a half of cartoons. It was OK, six or seven minutes, like the shorts, but an hour and a half, no way! The big reason was, you run out of funny things to do. Their Idea, and of course it was our early idea, was that you had to have a laugh-a-minute. And they couldn’t sit still for an hour and a half because the bright colors would hurt your eyes. They would get up and walk out of there.”

    But that didn’t stop Walt from mortgaging his home, his studio, and everything he owned to produce this film, and promote it in the biggest most extravagant way, on opening night.

    DWARFLAND

    Walt Disney built an elaborate Dwarf Village that stretched two blocks, in the middle of the avenue leading up to the theater. This “Dwarfland” included an exact replica of the dwarf cottage from the film, a working water wheel, and a diamond mine. 

    PHOTOS: http://animationwhoandwhere.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html

    Bleachers were set up to to hold four thousand fans, but almost forty thousand showed up. A full orchestra and singers from the film entertained the crowd outside of the theater.

    It was a massive event and all of Hollywood came to the premiere. Some of the stars were Disney fans and attended out of genuine interest. While other celebrities attended out of obligation. Their attitudes as they entered the theatre were slightly or overtly arrogant. After all, this was just going to be a little cartoon, and a ‘flop’ at that. It was beneath them to be wasting their time on such a thing. These celebrities that attended with varying degrees of excitement or disinterest included:

    Marlene Dietrich, Shirley Temple, Charlie Chaplin with Paulette Goddard, Ed Sullivan, Clark Gable and Carol Lombard, Norma Shearer, Judy Garland, Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Cary Grant, and many more.

    It was such well-attended event that neither Adrianna Caselotti, who voiced Snow White, nor Harry Stockwell, who voiced Prince Charming, had a ticket. After being denied entry, Adrianna stated: “But, I’m Snow White and this is Prince Charming!” But, no ticket, no entry. So, Snow White and Prince Charming waited, and snuck in when the ticket lady wasn’t looking. They ran upstairs to one side of the balcony and stood there, watching themselves on the screen.

    As the film began, the audience seemed a little anxious. Then they chuckled at the first little gags.  Gradually, there was an energy, a buzz, a joy, that spread throughout the entire theater. 

    They not only applauded the songs, they not only applauded the animation, they even applauded the background and layouts when no animation was on the screen.

    Layout artist Ken O’Connor recalled this story to the Animation Guild:

    “… the audience broke into applause two different times, just for the layouts and painting. No characters were even on the screen. The shot of the queen’s castle above the mist and the marsh received applause. I was sitting near John Barrymore and he was bouncing up and down in his seat he was so excited. He was an artist, of course, and he knew the kind of work that went into something like that, and appreciated it.”

    Animator Ward Kimball

    “I sat about two thirds of the way back, and here were all of the luminaries of Hollywood, all around. … Especially, I saw Clark Gable, Carol Lombard, and the rest of them. And the laughs just came in a steady stream. But when Snow White bites that poison apple, ands becomes unconscious, and she’s laid out on the bier, as they call it, the picture gets very serious.  And this is where Walt knew what he was doing. Even though these are a bunch of cartoons and these grossly exaggerated little guys with the big noses were in it, everybody in that theatre was crying. I heard the sobs. I couldn’t believe it. It’s supposed to be just a cartoon, and everybody is crying.

    In another interview Ward Kimball recalled that they were seated behind Clark Gable and Carol Lombard. And when Snow White was poisoned, Clark Gable, one of Hollywoods biggest manly-man celebrities, needed to borrow a handkerchief from Carol Lombard.

    Tom Sito: “When they have the scene at the bier, and all the dwarfs are crying, Initially there was several lines of dialog there.  Disney wound up cutting them. He said, ‘The dialog is going to take away from the moment, and that’s enough.’ When that was run in the theater, looking around the audience, with a lot of Hollywood luminaries, and watching them sniffle. People like Marlene Dietrich, and Gable and Lombard, and John Barrymore. That was a big deal, that they were able to make that happen.”

    Ward Kimball: “When the picture was over, and ‘Someday My Prince Will Come’, and they ride off into the sunset, and the lights go on, I watched them. I stood in the foyer. The biggest stars in Hollywood, Irene Dunn, you name ‘em, were are all wiping the tears out of their eyes. Now this sounds implausible, but it happened.”

    As the house lights came up, the audience — which was already applauding, rose to its feet. It was the most enthusiastic audience any of them had ever seen.

    Walt, who many years prior had dreamed of the Hollywood elite coming to see one of his films, appeared on stage with his wife, and said: “l always dreamed that one day I would attend a gala premiere in Hollywood of one of my cartoons. Tonight you’ve made it come true. You make me feel like one of you.”

    As the stars exited the theater, they searched their bags for dark glasses so photographers could not get photos of them after they had been crying. 

    —————

    Snow White played at the Carthay Circle for four months.

    The final box office gross for the first release of Snow White was close to $8.5 million, making it the highest-grossing Hollywood film up to that time. 

    This was when the average ticket price for adults was quarter and a dime for children. 

    So even though Walt claims that ‘it started with a mouse’,

    It took a princess to hit the jackpot.

    SNOW WHITE’S ACADEMY AWARD

    At the Academy Award ceremony on Feb. 23, 1939, Walt received a special Oscar for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

    It was one large statue and seven small Oscars. 

    The inscription read: “To Walt Disney for ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ recognized as a significant screen innovation 

    which has charmed millions and pioneered a great new entertainment field for the motion picture cartoon.”

    It was presented by 9-year-old Shirley Temple who had been at the premiere and posed for pictures with the costumed dwarfs that were just slightly taller than her.

    Shirley Temple: I’m sure the boys and girls in the whole world are going to be very happy when they find out that the daddy of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Ferdinand, Mickey Mouse, and all the others, is going to get this beautiful statue. Isn’t it bright and shiny!

    Walt Disney: OH! It’s beautiful!

    Shirley: Aren’t you proud of it Mr. Disney?

    Walt: Well, I’m so proud, I think I’ll bust. You know, I think that Mickey Mouse, and Ferdinand, and Snow White and all the Dwarfs, are going to be very proud that you presented it.

    Shirley: I’m Glad!

    ———————

    CARTHAY CIRCLE AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

    At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Once Upon a Time store is an homage to this landmark theater, that played the host to not only the first Silly Symphony, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but Disney’s Fantasia as well.

    If you enter this replica of Carthay Circle Theater and walk to the back of the store, you will find photos from the premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

    When the store was first opened, if you listened closely, you will hear the actual radio broadcast from the film premiere, being played throughout the store.

    —–

    RESOURCES:

    Interview with Tom Sito
    June 09, 2023

    Attractions Magazine
    Little Known Facts about the Carthay Circle Theater
    http://www.attractionsmagazine.com

    The Revised Vault of Walt by Jim Korkis
    Chapter: Snow White Christmas Premiere
    Theme Park Press (www.themeparkpress.com)

    The Animation Guild
    TAG Blog: The Ken O’Connor Interview
    animationguildblog.blogspot.com

    Filmic Light – Snow White Archive
    “Dwarfland” at Snow White Premiere
    filmic-light.blogspot.com

    Animation Who and Where
    Snow White at the Carthay
    animationwhoandwhere.blogspot.com

    Disney Parks Blog
    Opening Night, 1937: ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Premieres at Carthay Circle Theatre by Erin Glover
    disneyparks.disney.go.com



    SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.

    Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.

    Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com– The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.

  • Cameraman Sculpture

    Cameraman Sculpture

    Cameraman Sculpture
    Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    Walt Disney World, Florida
    GPS: 28.357316, -81.559805

    After entering Disney’s Hollywood Studios and making your way down Hollywood Boulevard, just before you enter an area known as ‘Center Stage’, you step into the frame of Cameraman Sculpture. The pavement turns into a red carpet, the camera is rolling, and your Hollywood story begins.

    What many guests do not realize is that this ‘Cameraman” has a history that goes back generations. The roots go far beyond the history of Hollywood, and spread all the way back to Rome, and the apex of classic Italian Cinema.

    Andrea Favilli – Artist

    Young Andrea Favilli
    A young Andrea Favilli

    The artist, Andrea Favilli, was born in Rome in 1963. His father, Aldo Favilli, was an art director for iconic films at the world-famous Cinecitta Studios, the largest film studio in Europe. While Andrea’s father was busy designing the sets and overall aesthetic for films including La Dolce Vita, a young and extremely curious Andrea had become famous for creating chaos on Federico Fellini’s sound stage No. 5.

    Andrea’s backlot, childhood friends included legendary names. Aldo Puccini, Famiglia De Angelis, Gina Lollobrigida, Liana Orfei, Federico Fellini and even his godfather, Rossano Brazzi.

    Cinecita Studios Entrance Rome Italy
    Cinecittà Studios Entrance – Rome, Italy

    But, the best part of being on site during the creation of these iconic films was not the famous friends, or causing mischief with the cast and crew. What Andrea treasures the most, was the opportunity to see his father at work, transmuting fantastic dreams into reality. Seeing how his father looked at the world and constantly found the beauty, this is where Andrea’s own artistic journey began.

    Aldo Favilli on set of chariot scene in Ben-Hur
    Andrea Favilli’s father, Aldo Favilli (red square) on set of chariot scene in Ben-Hur

    It wasn’t until Andrea Favilli was attending college in the United States, he looked back and realized what a special privilege he’d had growing up in such a magical place and time.

    While still in school, Andrea agreed to help a friend, legendary claymation artist, Will Vinton, with several television commercial projects. Andrea assisted Will on the Domino’s ‘Noid’ commercial, but it was the ‘California Dancing Raisins’ commercial that became a cultural phenomenon. Though he might not have known it at the time, Andrea Favilli was now in the sights of the Walt Disney Company.

    Legendary Clamation Artist Will Vinton
    Legendary Clamation Artist Will Vinton
    California Dancing Raisins Commercial

    Walt Disney Imagineering

    Even after graduating from the ArtCenter College of Design, with honors, Andrea still didn’t think he was good enough to work for Disney, but legendary head of Walt Disney Imagineering, Marty Sklar, had been watching Andrea’s progress. Barely out of school, Andrea was recruited by Marty to work at Walt Disney Imagineering as a Lead Concept Designer.

    WDI Walt Disney Imagineering Logo
    WDI Walt Disney Imagineering Logo

    Before long, Andrea was leading the creative process on a wide variety of projects world-wide. From blue sky to ideation and design through implementation. In addition to his Imagineering responsibilities, Andrea Favilli had been commissioned by The Disney Company to sculpt the Disney Legends Award.

    This is when Andrea first met Roy E. Disney.

    Disney Legends Award
    Disney Legends Award

    Creation of the Cameraman Sculpture

    Roy was impressed and asked Andrea for his help in creating another sculpture. The task: to create a monumental public work of art that would capture the spirit of film making, in a classic representational fine arts style, to be permanently installed at the historic heart of the media district, in Burbank, CA.

    Andrea’s schedule was already jam packed with Imagineering responsibilities. Creating a monument would require 6-8 months of studio and fabrication time. So, work on the sculpture would be done in the evenings and on weekends, when Andrea wasn’t traveling for Imagineering.

    Andrea built a large, temporary, shed, to be used as his studio, in his father’s backyard and then he began the extremely long process of creating the Cameraman Sculpture

    (ANDREA FAVILLI speaking) “There is a great photo of my dad and I, and I remember the afternoon well. I was really stuck. My dad had been traveling. He was the Director of Mattel Toys at the time for design involvement. It was his first day back home. And he asked “How’s it going?”. I was stuck on something and so you can see in this great picture, both of us looking at the maquette.”

    The benefit of using his father’s backyard for this project, is that his father could follow the process, and guide him. On rare occasions, Aldo Favilli would assist his son by putting his hands in the clay. These were magical moments for both father and son, and the love shared, infused into the sculpture itself.

    That finished Cameraman sculpture is located at 4411 West Olive Avenue, just across the street from Gate 2 of the Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank, California.

    Cameraman Sculpture Burbank California
    Cameraman Sculpture Burbank California

    A plaque on the Burbank statue bears the name of Andrea Favilli, preceded by the name of his father, Aldo. Andrea says that he will always place the name of his father before his own on any sculpture work, as it is his father’s voice that always guides him in all creative/artistic decisions. 

    Cameraman Sculpture Burbank California Plaque
    Cameraman Sculpture Burbank California Plaque

    At the unveiling ceremony for the statue in 1991, the President of the Walt Disney Company, Frank G. Wells was in attendance.  Frank Wells called Michael Eisner, and then Michael Eisner called Andrea Favilli asking “Why didn’t you do one of these sculptures for the new Disney/MGM Studios park in Florida? And can you do one?” So, the process was repeated, and Andrea Favilli began work on a 2nd Edition of the Cameraman sculpture, 

    In 1995, the second edition to the Cameraman sculpture was installed at Disney/MGM Studios.

    Secrets of the Cameraman Sculpture ‘Script’

    Andrea Favilli Cameraman Script
    Andrea Favilli Cameraman Script

    At the feet of the cameraman is what is meant to be an open script for the film he is making. Standing in front of the Cameraman sculpture, it is nearly impossible to see the contents of this script, because it is turned away from guest’s view. But in reality, it is not really a script at all.

    Cameraman Script with Names
    Cameraman Script with Names

    The book includes the names of people — some who mentored and inspired Andrea Favilli, the artist. He refers to these special people in his life as ‘candles’.

    Herbert Dickens Ryman
    Herbert Dickens Ryman

    Included is the venerable Disney artist Herbert (Herbie) Dickens Ryman and his sister Lucille Ryman-Carroll, who had been the legendary head of talent at MGM during its golden period.

    Lucille Ryman-Carroll
    Lucille Ryman-Carroll

    Roy E. Disney and his wife Patty are also listed.

    Roy and Patricia Disney
    Roy and Patricia Disney

    The man who first spotted Andrea and brought him to Imagineering, Disney Legend Marty Sklar, is listed.

    Marty Sklar
    Marty Sklar

    Andrea’s first teacher and greatest artistic influence, his father Aldo, is not only listed as co-creator of the sculpture with his son, he is also listed in the script.

    Aldo Favilli in his office at Mattel Toys
    Aldo Favilli in his office at Mattel Toys

    As is Andrea’s creative muse and beloved wife Camille Anne Favilli, who spent an inordinate amount of time with clay in hand and actually designed the contents of the book.

    Camille Anne Favilli
    Camille Anne Favilli

    Favilli Studio

    In 1992, Andrea left Walt Disney Imagineering and established Favilli Studio, with his very first client being The Walt Disney Company. His wife Camille joined the company in 1995. By the time the company was 25 years old, Favilli Studio had become one of the most prolific and successful entertainment design companies in the world, working on destination resorts and media projects on five continents.

    Andrea Favilli - Favilli Studio
    Andrea Favilli – Favilli Studio

    So the next time you walk down Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, on your way to your center stage entrance, take a moment in front of the lens of the Cameraman

    And consider this: That the roots of this sculpture span continents and generations. They travel far beyond the history of Hollywood. The roots for this sculpture extend all the way back to Rome, and grew from the love of Aldo Favilli, a renowned Italian sculptor working in classic Italian Cinema.

    Aldo Favilli on set of Ben-Hur
    Aldo Favilli as Art Director, on set of Ben-Hur (1958)

    SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.

    Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.

    Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com– The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.

  • Holly-Vermont Realty

    Holly-Vermont Realty

    0077 Holly-Vermont Realty Door
    Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    Walt Disney World – Florida – United States
    GPS: 28.35745, -81.559511

    In 2023 the Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

    But what is the story of ‘where’ and ‘how’ this vast international empire came to be?

    Well…

    Back in 1922 Walt started the Laugh-O-gram animation studio in Kansas City.

    His team of artists had been working on the film Alice’s Wonderland, to lure potential investors.

    By the end of 1922, they had finished that project and had half-way completed their first Alice Adventures film.

    But without an investor, Laugh-O-gram studio went broke.

    The animators left, and Walt was there, by himself, trying to finish the film.

    Walt slept in the Laugh-O-gram office, ate on credit at the small Café downstairs, and bathed once a week at Union Station for a dime.

    Walt’s older brother Roy, who was recovering from tuberculosis in a Los Angeles veterans hospital, told Walt to close the shop and come join him in California.

    In August of 1923, Walt Disney declared bankruptcy and bought a train ticket to Los Angeles, to be in the heart of the entertainment industry.

    Walt rented a room from his Uncle, Robert Disney, for five dollars per week and rented his uncle’s tiny garage for $1 per week to use as his animation studio.

    But just as Walt was setting up shop, the promotional film produced by Laugh-O-gram was released.

    Alice’s Wonderland made its first public appearance just two months after Walt had moved to California.

    Suddenly there was a potential investor for more animated films, and Walt needed a larger, dedicated studio space, fast.

    Walt walked two blocks down the street from Uncle Robert’s house to the Holly-Vermont Realty office.

    Walt inquired about office space rental, and said that he only needed just enough room “to swing a cat in.”

    But he could only afford to pay ten dollars per month, and there were no spaces in the area for that amount.

    So on October 8, 1923, the Holly-Vermont Realty Office, at 4651 Kingswell Avenue, rented Walt Disney a small room at the back of their office for $10 per month.

    On October 15, 1923, Walt was offered a contract with M.J. Winkler, a New York film distributor, to produce at least twelve more Alice Comedies. 

    Walt ran to his brother in the veterans hospital that same day to show Roy the telegram and urged him to be his partner on this project. 

    The very next day, October 16, 1923, Roy signed himself out of the hospital.

    And then later, that same day, in a back room of the Holly-Vermont Real Estate Office, Walt signed what Disney historians describe as “the most important document in the history of The Walt Disney Company”: the contract for a series of Alice Comedies.

    October 16, 1923 in the back office of the Holly-Vermont Realty Office in Los Angeles.

    By signing this contract, it was here that Roy and Walt Disney first established the ‘The Disney Bros Studio.’

    This is considered the birth date and birth place of what we now know as the Disney Company.

    In that small space, Walt and Roy, alone, finished the Disney Bros. very first film, Alice’s Day at Sea.

    Walt Disney, without his animation and production team from Kansas City, single-handedly wrote, designed, directed and animated the entire film.

    Roy, was the business manager as well as the company cameraman. He photographed the individual animation stills and filmed the live action scenes. 

    Walt worked for two months, day and night, to finish animating the film, by himself.

    Alice’s Day at Sea was then delivered to distributor M.J. Winkler on December 26, 1923.

    Less than four months after they moved in, The Disney Bros Studio moved to a larger office next door at 4649 Kingswell Avenue. 

    ——————————

    As an homage to this important event in the History of the Disney Company, there is a subtle reference at Disney’s Hollywood Studio.

    As guests come around the corner and go beyond the Keystone Clothier Shop, they’ll pass a door for Holly-Vermont Reality Offices of Hollywood – Beverly Hills. 

    The “For Rent” sign in the upper window suggests that Walt and Roy have already moved out in pursuit of a larger office space.

    ——————————

    Walt famously said, “it all began with a Mouse”

    But when the Disney Company was born, Mickey was still nearly six years away.

    The Walt Disney Company really all began with the ambition, imagination, determination, and dedication to quality, of the youthful go-getter who might have taken a pause in some very rough times, but never gave up on his dreams. 

    Walt Disney went on to create a new, inspiring, and inclusive entertainment empire that we now know as ‘the Disney Company’.

    And it all started in a tiny room in the back of the Holly-Vermont Real Estate office.


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    SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.

    Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.

    Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com– The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.

  • Gertie the Dinosaur

    Gertie the Dinosaur

    0076 Gertie the Dinosaur
    Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    Walt Disney World – Florida – United States
    GPS: 28.357009, -81.559012

    If you are wondering through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and find some colossal dinosaur footprints, follow them to Echo Lake.

    Along the shores of this lake you’ll find a large, tame dinosaur coated with a thin layer of snow.

    Meet Gertie the Dinosaur, and she is one the very first animated stars in film history.

    Gertie first amazed vaudeville audiences in 1914 when she was projected life-size onto a movie screen and shared the stage with her creator, Winsor McCay.

    In 1914, animation was a relatively unexplored frontier in film.

    There were no schools or books that taught animation, and there were no mentors to teach him.

    So with Gertie the Dinosaur, Winsor McCay invented many of the animation techniques that were used in film for the next 100 years.

    Nobody had ever seen anything like this before, so McCay used this innovative film as part of his vaudeville act. 

    McCay would come on stage dressed in a tuxedo with a huge bullwhip-like an animal trainer and tell Gertie to lift her leg, and on a big movie screen to the side of him, Gertie would lift her leg.

    He would pull out a big apple and pretend to toss it.

    On screen, Gertie caught the animated apple and ate it as McCay hid the actual prop.

    At the end of the act, While audiences were distracted by Gertie drinking an entire lake dry, McCay would walk behind the screen.

    Then an animated version of himself would get on Gertie’s head.

    And they would leave the scene together while the audiences went wild.

    Winsor McCay and Gertie the Dinosaur became massive celebrities of that day.

    The Gertie the Dinosaur show toured the United States, blowing the minds of audiences in every city across the country.

    Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction was built as a tribute to Gertie the Dinosaur, the very first animated cartoon star.

    Gertie the Dinosaur was not only the first large-scale key-frame animated film.

    But also the very first animated stage show, interactive with a live cast.

    To extend the length of the film, while also spending less time on the drawing table, McCay invented the animation concept of “cycling”, which meant re-filming the same set of drawings for a continued action. 

    Gertie was the first dinosaur to be featured in an animated film.

    Gertie is also considered the first example of what is known as “personality” or “character” animation.


    Though Gertie is just pen and ink, she seems to have a distinct personality with a wide range of emotions.

    Gertie was also the first cartoon character to ever act, or show emotion.

    Gertie is in a lake because, in her animated cartoon, she was near a lake.

    In her black and white film, Gertie is white. 

    But in her show’s promotional posters, Gertie is colored green… so they made her green at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    The themed style of the ‘Gertie’ building was known as “California Crazy” architecture. 

    This style was used for large-scale marketing for shops and food stalls, and it was wildly popular in the 1930s.

    The time frame for this section of Hollywood Studios spans the 1930s and 1940s in Los Angeles.

    So this California Crazy architecture fits in perfectly, both geographically and chronologically.

    In the 1930s, it was believed that an Ice Age that killed off the dinosaurs. 

    That’s why it is the ice cream of “extinction” rather than “distinction” that is being sold.

    Not only is Gertie covered in a thin layer of snow, she is so cold that she is creating vapor out of her nostrils as she breaths.

    But there have been some changes to Gertie since she first appeared when the park opened in May of 1989.

    In her original concept sketch, and when she first appeared in the park, the green words “Ice Cream” covered with snow curved over the top of her back.

    But over the years, that lettering was removed, and a thin layer of snow was added.

    Gertie the Dinosaur was a major artistic influence and inspired the entire next generation of legendary cartoonists.

    Walt Disney himself publicly admitted:

    Seeing Winsor McCay and his stage act with Gertie was what inspired him to pursue art and animation.

    So next time you see Gertie hanging out in Echo Lake, you’ll know that she isn’t just any old dinosaur.

    And without her inspiration, Walt Disney might have chosen a very different career.

    And the world of entertainment would be very different today.


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    SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.

    Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.

    Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com– The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.

  • Jens-Kjeld Jensen Workshop

    Jens-Kjeld Jensen Workshop

    Jens-Kjeld Jensen Workshop
    Í Geilini 37, Nólsoy, Faroe Islands
    T: +298 327064
    Web: http://www.jenskjeld.info
    GPS: 62.010395, -6.677532

    Jens-Kjeld Jensen, originally from Denmark, has been living in the Faroe Islands since 1970.

    Jens-Kjeld Jensen Profile image
    Jens-Kjeld Jensen

    Jens-Kjeld is a very specific and quite peculiar kind of specialist.

    When it comes to knowledge of the birds, insects or any other kind of animal in the Faroe Islands, he is a self-taught expert.

    His passion for learning absolutely everything there is to know about birdlife has rightfully earned him a place as a local expert on the subject.

    Jens-Kjeld Jensen stuffing bird
    Jens-Kjeld Jensen stuffing bird

    Jens-Kjeld Jensen has also written several books about animal life, with a special focus on birdlife in the Faroe Islands. 

    Jens-Kjeld Jensen Book on Fulmar
    Jens-Kjeld Jensen Book on Fulmar

    In May 2015 he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Faroe Islands for his devotion to the subject. 

    Jens-Kjeld Jensen Vitin Diploma
    Jens-Kjeld Jensen Vitin Diploma

    Locally, Jens Kjeld might be best known by his expertises in stuffing birds, but he also has great interest in all Faroese flora and fauna.

    His knowledge of the local plants and animals of the Faroe Islands has made him a well known expert throughout the world. 

    His website is a great resource of collected information gathered from his extensive research.

    Jens-Kjeld Jensen also has a protected piece of land where he cares for a variety of willows. These willows once covered the Faroese islands in ancient times, but have since become scarce due to the multitude of hungry sheep.

    Rock blasting Debris Faroe Islands 2017

    With all of his intensive self-study of nature, it should bot be surprising that Jens-Kjeld Jensen is also an outspoken environmental activist.

    He often uses his position as a respected expert to raise awareness of environmental issues and to keep the Faroese government focused on keeping the Faroe Islands’ nature pure and pristine. 

    But with all of his world-wide acclaim, he still works in his workshop on the tiny island of Nólsoy.

    jens-Kjeld in his workshop

    If arranged in advance, he is happy to guide visitors through his workshop, where it is possible to purchase stuffed birds and other unique Faroe Islands souvenirs.

    jens-Kjeld and his wife Marita
    jens-Kjeld and his wife Marita

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    SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.

    Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.

    Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com– The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.

  • Mato Katedralac

    Mato Katedralac

    This slideshow requires JavaScript.

    Legend of Mato Katedralac
    Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary
    Zagreb, Croatia
    GPS: 45.814476, 15.979868

    This is the story of a legendary character by the name of Mato Katedralac, and how he got his dream job.

    As you walk past any great cathedral in the world, chances are you look up momentarily to admire the beauty of the architecture. Also maybe you see a cross, and say a few words to god, and maybe he’ll send you a sign that he is listening.

    Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary
    Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary

    On one particular morning,  a few minutes after 10 o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, April 6, 1932, a housewife had finished her daily shopping at the Dolac market and Zagreb.

    As she was walking home past the cathedral, she looked up into the sky. She looked to the very top of the highest spire of the Zagreb cathedral, and she started screaming.

    Woman looking up in horror

    This lady didn’t see a sign from god, or an angel or anything else that would have made a lot more sense actually.

    What she saw 108 meters (354 ft) in the air was a man doing a handstand on the cross at the very top of the building.

    Mato Katedralac On top of Cathedral
    Mato Katedralac On top of Cathedral

    She screamed “Man on the cross!” Loudly and repeatedly until a crowd began to form.

    Within just a few minutes, the entire Dolac market had emptied out and the crowd was massive.

    This is when the man on the cross really began to put on an acrobatic show.

    The crowd cheered enthusiastically, and it wasn’t long until the fire brigade arrived to retrieve this man off the building.

    The man continued his routine just a little while longer, and then he calmly climbed down off of the building.

    After he came down, the young man was taken to the police station, from where he was released after being identified.

    Mato Katedralac the legend
    Mato Katedralac the legend

    On that morning, a man by the name of Mato Juričić entered Zagreb history, and he became a legend.

    You see, just a short time prior to climbing the tallest building in the entire country of Croatia and doing an acrobatic routine, Mato had applied for his dream job, to be a part of the Zagreb Fire Brigade.

    Mato did not pass the entrance tests. He was told he lacked the courage, bravery, and fear of heights qualifications.

    So, at the age of 26, Mate Juričić, or ‘Mato Katedralac’ (Mato Cathedral) as he was called now, got his wish. 

    Immediately, Mato was offered a job on the Zagreb Fire Brigade due to his unique and spectacular “job application”, and thus became the most famous Zagreb firefighter of all time.

    Mato Katedralac Philosophy

    He spent the rest of his life in the Fire Brigade. 

    36 years, five months and 23 days – without a day of sick leave or absence from work.

    He became the Commander of the Fire Brigade.

    In his career, he put out many massive Zagreb fires and saved many lives.

    During World War II, he joined the anti-fascist movement working to undermine the Nazis.

    Even today, the Zagreb Fire Brigade talks about the legendary Mato Cathedral.

    And now the annual award for outstanding firefighter is named after him.


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    Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.

    Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com– The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.

  • Martyr Tydfil

    Martyr Tydfil

    This slideshow requires JavaScript.

    Martyr Tydfil
    St Tydfil’s Parish Church
    Lower High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
    T: 01685 553529
    E: help@parishofmerthyrtydfil.com
    Web: parishofmerthyrtydfil.com
    GPS: 51.742893, -3.378061

    To begin learning about the rich history of the Welsh town of Merthyr Tydfil, it is a good idea to look into the mythology of how the town got its name. The legend of Martyr Tydfil.

    Stained Glass Martyr Tydfil
    Stained Glass Martyr Tydfil

    The story starts with the legendary 5th Century king Brychan Brycheiniog.

    Brychan had four wives and several concubines and was said to have had 24 sons and 25 daughters.

    Most of Brychan’s children were well educated, girls and boys, at a school in Gwenddwr on the Wye and went on to live deeply religious lives.

    Tydfil was his 23rd daughter by his fourth wife. 

    st merthyr tydfil3

    Tydfil decided to make her home in the Taff Valley, which was sparsely populated by Celt farmers. 

    She established an early Celtic monastic community. 

    She became known for her compassion and healing skills as she nursed both sick humans and animals.

    In approximately 480AD, the elderly King Brychan wanted to visit his children one last time. 

    He took with him his son Rhun and his grandson Nefydd as well as several servants. 

    They visited his third daughter at her religious community at Hafod Tanglwstl, what is now known as the village of Aberfan, south of Merthyr Tydfil. 

    St Tydfil's Portrait

    King Brychan wanted to stay with his daughters a little longer, so he told most of his warriors and his grandson to continue on home without him. 

    At the time, Wales was experiencing raids from Scottish Picts who had settled in Radnorshire, and it was during King Brychan’s journey from Hafod Tanglwstl that one of these raids occurred. 

    The king and his followers were robbed of their jewelry, money and clothes, and everyone in the party, including servants, was killed.

    While the rest of the family fought or ran, Tydfil knelt and prayed, before she too was brutally slain. 

    The Picts retreated over the Aberdare mountain, chased by the grandson and his warriors.

    He avenged the deaths of his family at “Irishman’s Hill” before returning to bury the dead.

    Tydfil was buried within the church she founded, and a Celtic cross was put up in a clearing near the Taff to mark the place where ‘Martyr’ Tydfil was slain. 

    MerthyrTydfil Town ParishChurch
    MerthyrTydfil Town ParishChurch

    In 1894, St Tydfil’s, the Old Parish Church of Merthyr Tydfil, was built to keep sacred the spot at the lower end of the High Street where Tydfil was killed. 

    It is thought that some form of church has stood on this spot for nearly 1500 years. 

    The name of the town Merthyr Tydfil thus comes from the supposed martyrdom of St Tydfil.

    St-Tydfils-Church

    The lore of this story is that she was killed for her Christian beliefs and thus canonized and made a saint.

    However, since the Scottish pagans slaughtered absolutely everyone in her family indiscriminately, it doesn’t seem that she was killed because of her faith, so wasn’t really a martyr per se.

    So her sainthood was based on three things.

    • – Her quiet witness.
    • – Her great faith and dignity in the face of death.
    • – Her love and compassion towards others – human and animal.

    But not martyrdom.

    For a more detailed history of Martyr Tydfil, visit www.merthyr-history.com


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    SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.

    Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.

    Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com– The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.

  • Tarira Statue

    Tarira Statue

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    0075 Tarira Statue
    Viðarlundin Park
    Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
    GPS: 62.014334, -6.778321

    The unveiling of the Tarira Statue.

    The year 2000 was the 100th birthday of William Heinesen, artist, violinist, but best-known as the Faroe Island’s most-loved author. That entire year seemed to be one long commemorative celebration in his honor.

    William Heinesen was born right here in Tórshavn, in the building that is now the Katrina Christiansen Restaurant.

    On 14 January 2000, the day before his birthday, the events began with the release of three books filled with William Heinesen’s previously unpublished texts.

    Then, on his birthday, 15 January, the statue of Tarira, created by Hans Pauli Olsen, was unveiled

    The statue “Tarira”, is also called the Elf Girl, and is prominently displayed at the top of a small hill in Viðarlundin Park, in the center of Tórshavn.

    At the age of 70, William Heinesen began creating colorful collages from cut paper. 

    The image of Tarira was born in a cut-paper collage that William Heinesen created when he was 79 years old.

    Fiddler and Tarira - William Heinesen - 1979
    Fiddler and Tarira – William Heinesen – 1979

    Through the layers of paper, cut to resemble a violinist playing feverishly, while caught in a cage of brambles.

    The violinists audience, a lively young woman, seems to be bursting from the Earth, almost floating.

    Tarira Statue - Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn - Landscape
    Tarira Statue – Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn – Landscape

    This woman, Tarira, is desire and enchantment. She is the representation of youth, life, and joy itself.

    Tarira Childs Book Character
    Tarira Childs Book Character

    To solidify the metaphor that Tarira is the essence of youth and life, William Heinesen created another, lesser-known piece of art titled ‘Life’, in which Tarira is depicted, in her favorite pose, surrounded by an abstract swirl that includes human embryos and young children playing.

    Tarira in William William Heinesen's artwork - Life
    Tarira in William William Heinesen’s artwork – Life

    By the time Heinesen put his scissors down at the age of 85, Tarira had appeared in many pieces of his art.

    The statue of Tarira is cast in bronze and created by the well-known Faroese sculptor, Hans Pauli Olsen.  Olsen has many more bronze sculptures throughout the park.

    Tarira Statue - Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn - Artist Plate
    Tarira Statue – Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn – Artist Plate

    The stone on which Tarira so delicately stands, is quite symbolic. 

    The hollowed-out front of the rock presents a silhouette of the author, William Heinesen.

    Tarira Statue - Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn - William Heinesen Profile
    Tarira Statue – Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn – William Heinesen Profile

    Tarira is dancing her way out of the mind of William Heinesen. This is because she is the representation of Heinesen’s imagination and creativity. She is his muse.

    If you walk around the back of the statue, you will see the familiar figure of the man with a violin. 

    Tarira Statue - Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn - Fiddler
    Tarira Statue – Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn – Fiddler

    The aside from being yet another symbolic reference to the author (Heinesen also played the violin) the silhuoette could also reference one of Heinesens famous works “Glataðu Spælimenninir” (The Doomed Fiddler) (1950).

    Glataðu Spælimenninir stamp collection
    Glataðu Spælimenninir stamp collection

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    SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.

    Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.

    Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com– The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.

  • Tinganes Compass Rose

    Tinganes Compass Rose

    Tinganes Compass Rose
    Tinganes Peninsula
    Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
    GPS: 62.007435, -6768741

    Many people go looking for the Tinganes Compass Rose, but never find it.

    Tinganes Compass Rose on Rocks by Water
    Tinganes Compass Rose on Rocks by Water

    As you walk out onto the rocks at the very tip of the Tinganes peninsula for the fantastic view, what you might not realize is that quite literally, you might be walking on history.

    If you search closely, you will find several ancient engravings.

    Though still a challenge to initially find, the largest, and easiest to spot of these engravings is a large circle divided into segments.

    The most commonly heard theory, is that this marking was used as a sun dial, carved by Vikings in the 10th century, so that the men could know when parliament, or the Ting, began and finished.

    If you visit this site at most hours of the day, you will see the faint outline of this large circle. So it does, kind of, look like a sundial. 

    Sundial Outline Example
    Sundial Outline Example

    If this was a sundial, these segments would be called “økt”s and would represent 1/8th of the day = 3 hours.

    But these segments are evenly spaced and are spread the full 360 degrees around the circle. That is not how sundials work. It is also missing the center hole for a shadow-stick. For these reasons, and more, it is agreed among historians that this is, indeed, a compass rose. 

    Compass Rose
    Compass Rose

    Compass Rose

    If you visit this engraving at just the right time, when the sun is at just the right angle, more details of the engraving suddenly become clearly visible.

    Tinganes Compass Rose Perfect Photo
    Tinganes Compass Rose Perfect Photo

    The most visible telltale signs of this being a compass: 

    • – East, West, and South have extended lines from the circle with a cross at one end
      (This cross on the East side of the East-West axis symbolized the direction of the Holy Land)
    • – A French lily flower, or fleur-de-lis, pointing north, which was customary in Dutch cartography in the 15 to 1700s
    Tinganes Compass Rose with Outline
    Tinganes Compass Rose with Outline

    It is unclear who made this engraving. But chances are it was either a Faroese person who sailed with the Dutch, or a Dutch sailor.

    In 1972 a historian could read the year “1569” directly under the compass rose, but that engraving is no longer visible today.

    Faroe Compass Historian Study Photo
    Faroe Compass Historian Study Photo

    And there is yet another, possibly even older, compass rose on the other side of the building.
    (GPS: 62.007847, -6.769432)

    Second Compass Rose on Tinganes Peninsula Tórshavn Faroe Islands
    Second Compass Rose on Tinganes Peninsula Tórshavn Faroe Islands

    This one has been partially covered by the building, so it hasn’t had as much foot traffic walking on it, so the engraving is a but more defined.

    The presence of these compass roses speaks of the major importance of Tórshavn as a commercial center in the 1500’s. 

    Tinganes Compass Rose Faroe Islands with Hand
    Tinganes Compass Rose Faroe Islands with Hand

    Similar compass roses are also seen on rocks in Norway, Sweden and Finland, which are from 1500 to 1700. 

    In Norway, compass roses were used as guides, when ships needed to orient their travel directions while in thick fog or bad weather.

     The Faroes were known for the thick fog, and were actually referred to by sailors at the time as ‘the foggy islands.’

    If you search closely on the rocky peninsula of Tinganes, you will find even more engravings and runes that do date back to the first Ting.

    Anxient Engravings Tinganes Faroe Islands
    Anxient Engravings Tinganes Faroe Islands

    These engravings are mere shadows of their original forms.

    Though rain and harsh weather are the original culprits, an increase in foot-traffic from unaware leisurely strollers and tourists has accelerated their erasure.

    In just a few more decades, all of these markings could be lost completely.


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    SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.

    Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.

    Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com– The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.

  • Listasavn Føroya

    Listasavn Føroya

    Listasavn Føroya
    The National Gallery Of The Faroe Islands
    Gundadalsvegur, 9
    Viðarlundin Park, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
    Web: www.art.fo
    GPS: 62.017738, -6.780543

    When you imagine the Listasavn Føroya, a National Art Gallery in a country with a population of only 50,000 people, you might assume that the collection would consist of only few pieces, gathered together only for the sake of opening the gallery.

    Listasavn Føroya - Exterior
    Listasavn Føroya – National Gallery of the Faroe Islands

    In the case of Listasavn Føroya, this could not be further from the reality.

    These tiny islands, with some of the most stunning nature and landscapes in the world, have had a profound impact on Faroese art, and have been inspiring artists of all kinds for centuries.

    And some of the notable artists in the Faroese collection could easily stand up, on par with the biggest names in the international art community.

    Tróndur Patursson
    Christen Holm Isaksen
    Sámal Joensen-Mikines
    William Heinesen
    Steffan Danielsen
    Ingálvur av Reyni

    The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands was established in 1989. 

    Their permanent collection of approximately 2,500 works of art showcase not only the work of Faroese masters, but the work itself gives a wonderful insight into the culture, history, and emotions of the Faroese people over hundreds of years.

    Artwork of: Sámal Joensen-Mikines Dansen  (The Dance)  1994
    FAROESE CULTURE
    Sámal Joensen-Mikines
    Dansen (The Dance)
    1994
    William Heinesen - Faroes National Gallery of Art
    FAROES HISTORY
    William Heinesen
    Fólkemøde / Fundarfólk á heimferð
    (Popular Meeting / After the Popular Meeting)
    1955 / 1964
    Sámal Joensen-Mikines - Returning from a Funeral - 1937
    FAROES EMOTION
    Sámal Joensen-Mikines
    After av jarðarferð
    (Returning from a Funeral)
    1937

    But the biggest star in this collection, are the landscapes of the Faroe Islands.

    Green mountains, steep sea cliffs with rich bird life, the unforgiving ocean, dramatic weather, colossal rock formations, the countless sheep, and picturesque villages.

    Unique to this gallery, the Faroese tradition of knitting has its own room to celebrate one of the country’s oldest and most tenacious industries.

    Listasavn Føroya has also tapped into the excellence of local musicians to create links between art and music.

    Five bands and musicians have composed songs that were inspired by a singular piece of art in the National Gallery’s collection.

    As one of the local musicians selected for this project, Lea Kampmann chose to create the music to enhance the experience of viewing the work of her great-grandfather, Jack Kampmann

    While standing in front of Jack Kampmann’s painting, Smack on Slipway, play the track and allow Lea’s music to unlock the emotions of the piece, as seen through the local Faroese.

    You can listen to this music by scanning QR codes within the museum, so be sure to bring your headphones with your smartphone.

    And now the snow is resting
    on the village
    I have yet to say:
    “There’s so much I have yet to…”

    And now snow is resting
    On me as a light sheet road*
    And we’re walking hand in hand
    At Niðaravegi (Common street name, lit: The lower road)

    And now the snow is resting
    And I want some rest as well
    The frost-bidden words are still hanging,
    As sheets on the clothesline , they’re still hanging
    A winters’ eve with heavy snow

    And now the snow is resting,
    And I need some rest as well
    Fear and earthquakes are far, far away

    The National Gallery of Art is located in Viðarlundin Park in the center of Tórshavn.




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