The fate of Scarlett O'Hara's dresses has been secured. Donations to preserve five costumes worn by actress Vivien Leigh in the classic film "Gone With The Wind" poured in from more than 600 individuals from 44 states and 13 countries.
The Harry Ransom Center library and museum on The University of Texas campus houses the dresses as part of the David O. Selznick film collection. Selznick produced the Oscar-winning film.
The Center began a fundraising initiative three weeks ago for the $30,000 needed to restore the dresses and purchase protective housing and custom-fitted mannequins.
"Most costumes are not constructed to last beyond the production of the film, nor are they finished in the same way as a ready-to-wear garment," said Jill Morena, collection assistant for costumes and personal effects at the Ransom Center. "We've taken steps to prevent further damage, but we want to be able to safely display and share the dresses."
"These generous donations confirm that the film's legions of fans do, in fact, care," said Steve Wilson, film curator at the Ransom Center.
The Center plans to display the costumes as part of an exhibition celebrating the 75th anniversary of "Gone With The Wind" in 2014.
