In a highly anticipated auction, a pair of Judy Garland’s iconic ruby slippers from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz has sold for a record-breaking $28 million. The sale took place at a prominent auction house in New York City, with the slippers being one of the most sought-after items in the entertainment memorabilia market.
The ruby slippers, which were worn by Judy Garland in her iconic role as Dorothy Gale, are one of the most recognizable and beloved movie props in history. The slippers were designed by MGM’s chief costume designer, Adrian, and were created by a team of skilled craftsmen. The shoes feature a distinctive red sequined design and a 2-inch heel.
The slippers were sold by a private collector, who had acquired them in the 1970s. The collector, who wishes to remain anonymous, had previously loaned the slippers to various museums and exhibitions, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
The auction, which was attended by several high-profile bidders, including collectors and museums, was highly competitive. The bidding started at $10 million, with several bidders pushing the price up to the final sale price of $28 million.
The sale of the ruby slippers sets a new record for the most expensive movie memorabilia ever sold. The previous record was held by the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, which was sold for $22 million in 2013.
The buyer of the slippers, who also wishes to remain anonymous, is a prominent collector of entertainment memorabilia. The buyer has stated that they plan to display the slippers in a private museum, where they will be available for public viewing.
The sale of the ruby slippers has sparked a lot of interest among film enthusiasts and collectors. The Wizard of Oz is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, and the ruby slippers are an iconic symbol of the movie’s enduring legacy.
The ruby slippers have been the subject of several books, exhibitions, and documentaries over the years. In 2018, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History hosted a major exhibition on the history of the ruby slippers, which attracted millions of visitors.
The sale of the ruby slippers is also a testament to the enduring appeal of The Wizard of Oz. The movie, which was released in 1939, has been enjoyed by generations of filmgoers and remains one of the most beloved movies of all time.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in entertainment memorabilia, with many collectors and investors seeking to acquire rare and unique items. The sale of the ruby slippers is likely to spark further interest in this market, with many collectors and investors seeking to acquire similar items.
The auction house that sold the ruby slippers has stated that they are thrilled with the result of the sale. “We are delighted to have achieved a record price for the ruby slippers,” said a spokesperson for the auction house. “This sale demonstrates the enduring appeal of The Wizard of Oz and the iconic status of the ruby slippers.”
The sale of the ruby slippers is a significant event in the world of entertainment memorabilia, and it is likely to be remembered for years to come. The ruby slippers are an iconic symbol of The Wizard of Oz, and their sale is a testament to the enduring legacy of this beloved movie.
