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Bob Gurr, at the Art Center College of Design in LA, aged 18 (1950).
Bob Gurr is an amazing character - extroverted, funny and kind, he’s the sort of guy you want to just hang out with. With an abundance of knowledge regarding Disney, engineering, and even hippie-esque scenes such as Burning Man, there’s never a dull moment with Bob. We paid him a visit at his home just over a week ago, and it was a fascinating experience. Not only is Bob Gurr a man full of fun-facts and anecdotes, but his very house is just short of being a museum. Turn a corner, and you’re bound to see something rare and momentous. A life-sized Lincoln Figure schematic, an original Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride attraction vehicle, historic plaques and posters from numerous Disney events. Add to that a (personally-addressed) signed shoe by Shaquille O’Neal, as well as countless movie memorabilia, and you pretty much have yourself a showroom.
Group photo, taken in Bob’s garden (From Left: Ernie Alonzo, Frank Argueta, Justin Scarred, Bob Gurr, Genevieve Federhen).
Back in the early 50s, Bob Gurr was part of the original team hired by Walt Disney himself to design Disneyland and its attractions. Not many people can claim to have spent time with Mr. Disney personally and have been around for Disneyland’s birth. Quite literally, that is.
“I’m only one person away from being the last-man-standing,” Bob jokes. “Of the original design team, only two of us are still alive.”
Back in 2004, Gurr was announced official Disney Legend, and he still continues to consult on Disney projects. In 2012, his memoir was released, titled Design: Just For Fun.
Aside from all that, Mr. Gurr is also an avid video producer – frequently attending Burning Man, this guy has seen and done it all. In fact, his mini-documentary about BM is great fun to watch, both insightful as well as funny. Who would have thought that this man also works magic (pun intended) on Final Cut Pro?
Fantasia, Bob’s favourite Disney movie; it boasts an impressive 16-Track Soundtrack, a ridiculous feat for the 40s. (Photo taken from the original trailer. Copyright: Disney)
The cameras are about to start rolling, and Bob glances briefly at his outfit, before asking “Does this all look alright?” I assure him that he looks great, and that his jacket and t-shirt are awesome. That’s when I notice his shoes – red sneakers to match his red jacket. Being drawn to somewhat fun and flamboyant outfits, I’m instantly impressed, both by his outfit as well as his ability to pull it off. He laughs, and tells me that he wears them pretty much all the time, red jacket or not. In fact, he’s even attended formal black-tie events wearing his red shoes. Like I said, never a dull moment.
To watch our interview with Bob in full, check out the video below!
Keep up-to-date with Bob’s book releases (the collectors’ editions have already sold out) by checking his website.
