Disney is still known in industry papers and Hollywood circles as “the Mouse House”, or even just “the Mouse” (sample headline “Mouse tests waters for 3D encores”) thanks to the ubiquity and cartoon catchiness of its enduring icon, Mickey Mouse.

The star was born when Disney lost the rights to Oswald The Lucky Rabbit – and most of his animation team – during a row with his distributor in February 1928. His response was to sit down and create an even better and more appealing cartoon character, which with the help of animator Ub Iwerks, he did. Mickey Mouse made his debut in May 1928 in the short Plane Crazy.

With his circular head and two smaller circular ears, Mickey is an incredible piece of bold, striking design. Over 80 years later just the bare silhouette is instantly recognisable as the flagship icon of the whole Disney enterprise.