Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz will be displayed in London from November 28 to December 5 before auctioning in Los Angeles on December 7. Designed by Gilbert Adrian, they are among four surviving pairs. Following a dramatic theft and recovery, they carry immense cultural significance and are expected to sell for between £2.3 million and £3.8 million.
A pair of Judy Garland’s iconic ruby slippers from the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz will be on display in London before being auctioned. Designed by MGM’s costume designer Gilbert Adrian, these slippers are among the only four surviving pairs used in the film, famously worn during the scene where Dorothy clicks her heels together and declares, “There’s no place like home.” Purchased by Michael Shaw in 1969, the slippers have a remarkable history, including a theft in 2005, their recovery by the FBI in 2018, and their recent reunion with Shaw. Marking the film’s 85th anniversary, these slippers will be exhibited at Heritage Auctions from November 28 to December 5 before being auctioned in Los Angeles on December 7, with an expected price of £2.3 million to £3.8 million. Heritage Auctions Executive Vice President Joe Maddalena describes them as “the most important prop in Hollywood history.”
The ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz are not only an iconic piece of film history but also a testament to the legacy of Judy Garland and the impact of Hollywood memorabilia. They became well-known collectibles, especially after their mysterious theft and recovery nearly a decade later, capturing public interest fully linked to the film’s enduring legacy. Their upcoming auction marks a significant moment, coinciding with the 85th anniversary of the film and the popularity of the musical Wicked, which keeps the story alive in contemporary culture.
The ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, once worn by Judy Garland and now a cherished symbol of Hollywood, are set to be displayed before their auction. Their journey from production to charity exhibitions, theft, recovery, and eventual auction reflects both their significance in film history and the ongoing fascination with classic cinema. This event not only honours the past but also underscores the slippers’ enduring appeal.
Original Source: www.standard.co.uk