Perfume is a perfect present for mom, so I thought it was a great time to take a tour of Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park. I honestly never thought of buying perfume in Disneyland park before; however, after experiencing the shop firsthand, I’m hooked. I just hope my kids are watching (hint, hint)!
The artwork on the mirrors in Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie is a true treasure not to be missed. The mirror panel paintings were created using a technique called reverse painting, a lost art with a history tracing back to the 14th century. These paintings of flower bouquets, birds and butterflies measure over one foot wide and almost seven feet high. At the time, they were believed to be the largest such painted mirrors ever created.
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Glendra von Kessel was commissioned by Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, to create the paintings for the opening of the parfumerie in 1966. Sadly, Glendra passed away before they were completed and Disney Legend Dorothea Redmond stepped in to finish them. Above are some rare photos of Glendra von Kessel, taken while she was painting the amazing mirrors. Her signature remains on them today.