One of four surviving pairs of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from *The Wizard of Oz* will be on display in London next week, having been stolen in 2005 and recovered by the FBI. The exhibition is part of a worldwide tour before their auction in Los Angeles.
Next week, one of only four surviving pairs of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz will be showcased in central London. This specific pair was utilized for close-up shots in the film and infamously stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 before being recovered by the FBI in 2018. It is believed that six to ten pairs were created for the film, with only four still in existence today.
One pair resides permanently at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The London pair was discovered in an MGM warehouse following the studio’s sale in 1969. They are thought to be the slippers worn by Garland’s character at the film’s conclusion when instructed to click her heels to return to Kansas.
The slippers will be displayed at Heritage Auctions on Hanover Street, near Oxford Street, from Thursday, 28th November to Thursday, 5th December 2024. The auction house operates Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm. This exhibit is part of a worldwide tour prior to their auction in Los Angeles next month.
The ruby slippers are an iconic piece of cinema history, best known for their role in *The Wizard of Oz*. They represent not only Judy Garland’s performance but also a significant part of American film legacy. The slippers were specially crafted for the film and have been valuable collectibles since their production. Over the years, their theft and recovery have added to their mystique and historical importance.
Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from *The Wizard of Oz* will be displayed in London for a limited time, showcasing an essential artefact of film history. Having been stolen and later recovered, this pair has a unique story that amplifies its significance. Viewers will have a rare chance to see these iconic shoes before they head to auction in Los Angeles.
Original Source: www.ianvisits.co.uk