A pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz” has sold for $2.8 million at an auction in Los Angeles. The sale is part of a larger auction of Hollywood memorabilia, with the iconic shoes being one of the most highly anticipated lots.
The ruby slippers are one of the most recognizable movie props in history, and this pair is one of only four pairs known to have been made for the film. The shoes were designed by MGM’s chief costume designer, Adrian, and were made by a team of skilled craftsmen.
The slippers were sold by Profiles in History, a leading auction house for Hollywood memorabilia, as part of their ” Icons of Hollywood” auction. The sale took place on June 18, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
The winning bidder was an anonymous collector, who paid $2.8 million for the shoes, including buyer’s premium. The sale is a significant one, as it sets a new record for the price paid for a pair of movie prop shoes.
The ruby slippers have a long and storied history, having been on display at various museums and exhibitions over the years. They were also the subject of a high-profile theft in 2005, when a pair of slippers was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The stolen slippers were later recovered and returned to the museum.
The sale of the ruby slippers is a significant event for film historians and collectors, as it provides a rare opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood history. The shoes are not only a iconic symbol of the film, but also a reminder of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating the movie’s memorable costumes and props.
In addition to the ruby slippers, the “Icons of Hollywood” auction also featured other rare and historic movie memorabilia, including costumes, props, and documents from some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. The auction was a major event in the world of Hollywood collectibles, attracting bidders from around the world.
The sale of the ruby slippers is also significant because it highlights the enduring popularity of “The Wizard of Oz,” which continues to be a beloved film classic over 80 years after its initial release. The film’s memorable characters, songs, and costumes have become an integral part of American popular culture, and the ruby slippers are perhaps the most iconic symbol of the film’s enduring appeal.
The auction of the ruby slippers is also a reminder of the importance of preserving Hollywood history and the role that movie memorabilia plays in that preservation. The sale of the shoes highlights the value that collectors and historians place on these artifacts, and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
In conclusion, the sale of the ruby slippers for $2.8 million is a significant event in the world of Hollywood collectibles, highlighting the enduring popularity of “The Wizard of Oz” and the importance of preserving Hollywood history. The shoes are a rare and iconic piece of movie memorabilia, and their sale provides a unique opportunity for collectors and historians to own a piece of Hollywood history.
