1. Why
do people collect GWTW memorabilia?
Many collectors started out as fans
of the film. Some (e.g. myself) are fans of Vivien
Leigh while others adored the romantic
storyline of the film. However some collectors are
not even fans of the film, most notably Herb
Brigdes (a retired postman living in
Georgia, U.S) who claims to have the largest
collection of GWTW memorabilia in the World.
2. How
can I start collecting?
The best way to start collecting is to
read around (i.e. books on GWTW
merchandise) and be familiar with what is available.
I regularly attend films fairs where
dealers get together sell to the public. This is
often the best place to go as dealers can cater for
specific needs (in addition fairs often generate a
good atmosphere). Other places I sometimes browse are
second-hand book shops and general
second hand shops.
3.
Some items are too expensive, what can I do?
Some highly sought after items are
very highly-priced which the average collector cannot
afford. The best thing to do is to buy the
items you like and try to specialise
in your collection. For example my GWTW
collection in centered around Vivien Leigh
(I rarely buy stills of only Clark Gable).
4. I
can't find many GWTW items, what can I do?
When I first started I had the same
problem (i.e. did not know where to look). Even in
film fairs is it sometimes difficult to find GWTW
items. In addition many dealers only have a small
range every now and again. You could start considered
collecting items related to the GWTW
(e.g. stills of Oliva de Havilland from other
movies). Don't be dishearten if you cannot find GWTW
items as new collectibles are coming out all
the time.
5.
How much should I pay for a particular item?
From my point of point of view, this
depends on how much you want the item.
I am strong believer that most GWTW collectors are
genuine and not out to make a profit on their
collections. For example I bought a Japanese
1967 GWTW poster (my favourite poster) at a
film convention about 5 years ago for £15 (approx.
$20). Although I do not know its real value I am sure
I would paid more if I had to.
6. Are
there any places to buy GWTW stuff on the Web?
Yes! There is a place in Florida,
U.S where you can buy items on-line.
Many of the items listed have pictures so you should
be able to select the items you want by viewing them
first. They can be reached at: www.scarlett.org/GWTW
memories.
7.
What are the most popular GWTW items available?
Amongst the many items available, the
most popular are books, autographs
(I haven't any as Vivien Leigh's are often very
expensive), dolls, figurines,
photos, plates and music
boxes.
8. Are
there any unusual GWTW items?
Although I have yet to see one, I
heard that Vivien Leigh's favourite game,
Chinese Checkers (Chinese pronounced 'Bol
Chi K') was apparently renamed 'The Scarlett
O' Hara Game'. This is a vintage item and
therefore exceptionally hard to find.
9.
What is the most valuable GWTW item?
There have been many highly-priced
GWTW items but in December 1993, a private
collector paid US $563,000 (approx.
£400.000) at Sotheby's in New York for the Oscar
Vivien acquired for GWTW. However replicas
are sold for more modest collectors (and ordinary
people like me) at more reasonable prices.
10.
Why did I create this GWTW web site?
To show my appreciation of the
film and hopefully give an insight
to fellow 'Windies' how to start up a
collection. In addition, the development of
this site allows me to utilise my HTML
and design skills
(what's left of it.....). Overall this site has
allowed to combined two of my hobbies, where else can
you do that (thank god for the Internet!!).
.
me at :