News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Original art work from Snow White has revealed 16 other dwarfs didn't make the cut - because some of their names were too offensive.

Fans of the 1937 Disney movie will know there are seven dwarfs who befriend the title character after she runs away from her wicked stepmother.

But the original art produced for the classic film shows that a whole host of other characters were considered.

They were let go before making the cut thanks to their monikers - as it is revealed some were dubiously named Tubby, Baldy and Deafy.

(Image: BNPS)

Disney producers ditched the dwarfs, along with Shorty, Wheezy and Lazy, before the film was made.

They would have joined dwarfs Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Dopey, Bashful and Sneezy.

Now, 32 pieces of work that were withdrawn from production have gone up for auction, and sold for a cool £80,000.

(Image: BNPS)

The sketches were on sale through Bonhams in New York, where one lucky bidder got their hands on the rare pieces.

While political correctness was far from the mind of the American public at the time of the Great Depression, the contentious names would certainly stir up controversy today.

(Image: BNPS)

Other dwarfs that were cast aside include Jumpy, Dizzey, Hickey, Gabby, Nifty, Sniffy, Swift, Puffy, Stuffy and Burpy.

Notable lots that sold included a sketch of Snow White surrounded by her woodland animal friends and another featuring all seven dwarfs during the famous 'Hi Ho' scene - both sold for £4,350.

A picture of the wicked witch tempting Snow White with the poisoned apple sold for £6,090 while the biggest seller of the day featured the Evil Queen, drawn by legendary animator Art Babbitt, which fetched £10,400.

The reason so many original images are still on the market today is that following the film's release, Disney agreed to market their best pieces of work through Courvoisier Galleries in San Francisco.

(Image: BNPS)

This led to dozens of pictures emerging in the public domain.

The sign of authenticity for original pieces is the California gallery's symbol on the back.

Dr Catherine Williamson, director entertainment memorabilia at Bonhams, said: "The auction featured every major Disney film from Snow White to Beauty and the Beast.

(Image: BNPS)

"We had a great crowd in with dealers and collectors from around the world.

"I think the guys at Disney will be relieved that the names of the dwarfs were changed at the last minute.

"I'm sure they wouldn't have offended sensibilities back in the 1930s but it would be a different story today.

"The original ones aren't as good as what they eventually came up with.

(Image: BNPS)

"The great thing about the names they used is that they're not just physical references, they're emotional.

"It's good that they made it more about personality than physicality."

Full list of the abandoned dwarfs:

Tubby

Baldy

Deafy

Shorty

Wheezy

Lazy

Jumpy

Dizzey

Hickey

Gabby

Nifty

Sniffy

Swift

Puffy

Stuffy

Burpy