19 December 2012

Colonial Hidden Mickeys, part two


My last post featured aspects of the colonial revival that I noticed while "Hidden Mickey" hunting in Walt Disney World. This post continues in that spirit, but features direct 18th century / colonial connections.

In Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom,...




...the year 1787 is found above the entrace to The Hall of Presidents attraction, which I interpret as symbolizing the year the American Constitution was adopted.

 There's also a recreated Liberty Tree...
...and a repro Liberty Bell.
On a more subtle note, I noticed an influence of Palladian architecture.

The best examples are found in Epcot's World Showcase: 

There's Mitsukoshi, the Japanese department store that was established in 1673 to sell kimonos.

In the England pavilion there's a shop that promotes Twinings Tea, which began in 1706. For more on their interesting history, check out their UK website.
 Across the bridge in the France pavilion, there's Parisian style street signage that "promotes" a  Gainsborough exhibit. 
Continuing around the Showcase, in the American pavilion, one can find a display of early American flags.
Lastly in the Germany pavilion, I noticed sgraffito-style murals on the main building. This reminds me of Mittenwald, in Bavaria. If I remember correctly from my short day trip there ages ago, these illustrations date from the 18th century...but I can't easily locate anything to confirm that at the moment. 
Perhaps best of all, hidden in the back of the Germany pavilion, I found several prints that have the look of old paper and old handwriting. I'm no expert and can't date them, I'm fairly certain they have an 18th century connection.






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