Peter Pan’s Neverland

Rare promotional map of Neverland issued in conjunction with the Disney release of Peter Pan.

This is an excellent example of what is likely the second printed map to show the fictional world of Neverland (see here for an example of what I believe is the first). Though many might assume Peter Pan originated with Walt Disney’s blockbuster animated film, the tale actually originated in a 1904 play by J.M. Barrie.

This map was published the same year as the film’s release and shows the fantasy land located apparently in outer space, at least according to Peter’s directions – “Second star to the right, and straight on ’til morning.” A number of illustrated scenes and geographic features highlight artistic liberties taken by Disney – Crocodile Creek and Skull Rock are not named in Barrie’s writings, for example. Surrounding the map are eighteen different black and white cartoon panels taken directly from the movie.

Published by Walt Disney Productions in 1953 as a promotional souvenir for Colgate customers. Three wrappers from Peter Pan’s Beauty Bar with Chlorophyll, plus fifteen cents, could be enough to claim the map by mail.