The iconic Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz” have sold at a record-breaking $28 million during a live auction in Dallas. The slippers, one of only four known surviving pairs worn by Ms. Garland in the movie, were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 before being recovered in 2018.
Heritage Auctions handled the sale on behalf of collector Michael Shaw, who owned the slippers. The final bid of $28 million surpassed the previous record-holder, Marilyn Monroe’s subway dress from the 1955 film “The Seven Year Itch,” which sold for $5.52 million with fees in 2011.
The auction included other “Wizard of Oz” memorabilia, such as a Wicked Witch of the West hat worn by actress Margaret Hamilton, which sold for nearly $3 million. The slippers have an intriguing story behind them, having been lent to the Judy Garland Museum before being stolen and later recovered.
The museum had raised funds from donors to win back the slippers at the auction but realized early on that they would not win the bid. The buyer’s identity was not disclosed, but the sale has left a lasting impact on film history.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/07/us/wizard-oz-garland-ruby-slippers-auction.html