Description
In 2019, Rankin celebrated cultural icon, Mickey Mouse’s 90th' Birthday. As a well-loved character, Rankin put together a publication, Mickey Mouse and Me, features over 40 noted figures in the music, film and television industry. The publication was limited to 300 collector’s copies, with proceeds going toward UK charity and hospice, Together For Short Lives.
In addition to the host of celebrations marking Mickey Mouse’s birthday, Disney also launched the True Original Exhibition in New York as well as a free art exhibition in London, whereby some of the published images featured.
”Over the last 90 years, Mickey Mouse has gone from simple sketch to cultural icon. He is part of each and every person’s life in some way. Everyone has their first memory of Mickey Mouse. He was the star of the cartoon they watched again and again. His face was across their most-loved t-shirt. Maybe, if they were really lucky, they even got to meet him at Disneyland.
Mickey Mouse amazed me as a kid and seeing him as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice in Fantasia made me want to be involved in film. He is so much more than a character – he’s a symbol of optimism, hope and inspiration for people from every walk of life. To me, he represents the simple magic and wonder of childhood, which is something that should always be remembered and celebrated.
Mickey has a sense of style and a sense of fun which has, directly and indirectly, inspired my work on lots of occasions. He is ever-present in all of our lives and a trend that’s always in fashion. But it’s not just photography that has felt the inspirational impact of Mickey. His influence is seen strongly across the worlds of fashion, music, TV, film and entertainment. And over the next 89 pages, you’ll see lots of familiar faces who have been as enchanted by him as I have.
This book pays tribute to the cultural impact Mickey Mouse has had on generations. From his famous fans to some truly special families who have been supported by the charity Together for Short Lives, Mickey Mouse is a source of love and laughter for us all. I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone involved in making this book. It has been a magical journey and I hope, as you flick through the following pages, you’ll feel that magic too.” - Rankin discussing Mickey Mouse in 2019.