First some auction news: One of the dresses Judy Garland wore in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” can now be auctioned through the Catholic University of America. Also, Hindman and Freeman’s have joined forces. This month we feature auction items from Potomack, Bonhams, Doyle, Weschler’s and Bonhams.
Dorothy’s Wizard of Oz Dress Up for Auction
The famous blue gingham dress Judy Garland made famous in “The Wizard of Oz” can now be auctioned to raise money for an endowed professorship at Catholic University’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art. CUA had announced in the spring of 2022 it had partnered with Bonhams to display and auction the dress, but legal issues put the auction on hold. Now, however the sale’s back on – Oh, My!
The late actress Mercedes McCambridge presented the dress to Father Gilbert Hartke, the head of the drama school in 1973. Bonhams shared that the dress is one of only two in existence that retain the original white blouse and only one of four extant pinafore dresses in blue and white. CUA’s dress was used in the scene where Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West face off in the witch’s castle.
Hindman Merges with Freeman’s
Hindman announced in January that it will merge with 200-year-old Philadelphia-based auction house Freeman’s. The joining of both companies will boast a combined six salesrooms and 18 regional offices across the U.S., making it the biggest coast-to-coast presence of any auction house in the country. Their new name will be Freeman’s | Hindman.
Potomack
Max Ernst Flowers Against Blue Oil on Canvas
Estimate: $400,000-$600,000
Sold for: $530,000
This oil on canvas circa 1928 is signed by its artist, Max Ernst, in the lower left corner.
Doyle
Long Gold, Multicolored Stone and Diamond Curb Link Chain Necklace
Estimate: $10,000-$15,000
Sold for: $17,920
An 18-kt. necklace adorned in 16 rectangular-cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds. There are also round diamonds (approximately six-and-a-half carats). The necklace’s length is 36 inches.
Bonhams
Blake’s Edition of “Night Thoughts”
Sold for: $5,376
Part of Bonhams “Fine Books & Rare Manuscripts,” William Blake’s edition of “Night Thoughts” was printed by R. Noble for R. Edwards in 1797. It includes 43 full-page engravings by Blake after his own design, surrounding the letterpress text.
Weschler’s
Andy Warhol’s Mick Jagger Screenprint in Colors
Estimate: $80,000-$100,000
Sold for: $95,000
This screenprint by Andy Warhol features Mick Jagger and is signed by both Warhol (in pencil) and Jagger (in black felt tip marker). It was acquired on January 31, 1976 by descent to current owner.