Smithsonian launches Kickstarter campaign for Dorothy’s ruby

[silentfilm]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/art ... -slippers/

By Peggy McGlone October 17 at 10:17 AM

The Smithsonian is asking the public to fund the conservation of the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ (Photo courtesy of the National Museum of American History)

Dorothy’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” are beloved by the visitors to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, and museum officials are hoping their popularity will fuel a fundraising campaign to repair and preserve them.

Smithsonian officials launched a Kickstarter campaign of $300,000 to repair and conserve the slippers that were crafted almost 80 years ago. The effort, #KeepThemRuby, will study and repair the leather, sequined and glass-beaded slippers, made by the MGM Studio prop department. Curators and conservators want to understand how best to display them in a new exhibition, tentatively titled “On With the Show,” expected to open in 2018.

The Smithsonian’s first Kickstarter campaign launched last summer and was wildly successful. “Reboot the Suit” sought funds to conserve Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit, a highlight of the National Air and Space Museum. It reached its $500,000 goal in five days, and eventually raised $719,779 from 9,477 supporters, according to Kickstarter.

Like that effort, this 30-day campaign offers a range of rewards for donors, or “backers” in Kickstarter parlance. There are posters, t-shirts and tote bags created by Tony Award-winning costumer designer William Ivey Long for smaller amounts, and video tours and parties for larger gifts.

The Smithsonian complex of 19 museums, research centers and the National Zoo runs on an annual budget of $1.3 billion, including $840 million from the federal government. More than 28 million visits were recorded last year. All of the Smithsonian entities offer free admission.

[s.w.a.c.]

I'll donate, but only if I get to try them on.

[brendangcarroll]

I am confused by this story which is all over the media, even here in the UK.

As far as I'm aware, at least 4 pairs of the Ruby Slippers are known to survive, the most notable being the pair that in In 2012, actor Leonardo DiCaprio with the help of other donors including film director Steven Spielberg for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The total paid for them is a secret, but it is considered to be worth about $3 million.

So I'm wondering why this pair isn't also being conserved?

[ClayKing]

$300,000???? For that money they might be able to restore Judy Garland.

Regarding the other extent pairs of slippers, my limited experience is that people in such positions as the Smithsonian curators often work in a self-imposed vacuum and resist reaching out to any "outsiders," people in the field who might be of assistance.

[Brooksie]

If you look into the story, the $300,000 is going in to a lot more than just sewing on a few loose sequins. The coating of the sequins themselves is peeling off and will need to be stabilised. They're also researching the best way to preserve and display the shoes for the future.

As is the case with the multiple restorations of The Wizard of Oz, one expensive and high-profile campaign will have the effect of helping countless lower profile projects that people would be less willing to fund.

[Javier]

I'll donate, but only if I get to try them on.

When you do make sure no one drops a house on you.

[s.w.a.c.]

I'll donate, but only if I get to try them on.

When you do make sure no one drops a house on you.

Some days I feel like they'd be doing me a favour.