The "Wilbur G. Kurtz: History in Gone With the Wind" temporary exhibit at the Atlanta History Center is a must-see for any and all fans of Gone With the Wind.
The exhibit's unique exploration of the making of the Oscar-winning film, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is also a glimpse into the golden era of Hollywood film-making, as well as a bit of insight into Margaret Mitchell's hand in the making of the movie.
This relatively small exhibit--compared to others at the Atlanta History Center--is epic in content. One of my favorite artifacts is a collection of watercolor title cards that were used in creating the original opening credits in earlier versions of the film.
Although I love the one of Rhett Butler, the one of Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara is certainly my favorite of all the title cards on display. And speaking of on display, many of the artifacts in this exhibit are on view to the public for the first time. So, even if you're the greatest Gone With the Wind fan of all time, there's yet something new for you to see!
The above pictured broken cherubs are a marvelous artifact. Remember the vase that Scarlett threw when in the library at Twelve Oaks Plantation? Kurtz collected the pieces and now, because of his love of history, we get to see the real thing.
The collection that comprises the exhibit is complements of the Atlanta History Center's Margaret Mitchell House, located in Midtown. They also house the portrait of Scarlett in the blue dress at which, later in the film, Rhett throws a whiskey glass. Seems there was a lot of throwing in Gone With the Wind.
If you're from Georgia, lived in Georgia or even visited certain parts of Georgia, you're probably quite familiar with Georgia red clay. There's nothing else quite like it. Kurtz, a sample of his attention to detail, provided Hollywood with samples of Georgia red clay "to ensure that the red earth of Tara and Atlanta's dirt streets were truly authentic as the Technicolor cameras rolled." That's what any brilliant technical advisor would do, right?
It doesn't immediately come to mind, but Atlanta was all dirt streets during the American Civil War and the restoration era. In fact, there were still a lot of dirt streets in Atlanta approximately 75 years later when Gone With the Wind was published!
Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind, did not go to California to ensure the details of her story, Atlanta, the Civil War, and reconstruction eras were accurate. Instead, at her recommendation, Selznick Studios hired historian and technical expert Wilbur G. Kurtz, with whom she corresponded quite often. That reminds me, I need to get some new personalized stationery...it's been years!
Kurtz, also a painter and illustrator, was born in Illinois, but lived in Atlanta--documenting her history--for 55 years before passing away in 1967. Having a love for history myself, I'm grateful to Kurtz for his contributions to preserving Atlanta history. And to the Atlanta History Center, for that matter.
Among the 40 images and artifacts in this high-impact exhibit are several Confederate bills. I wasn't sure I'd show any of them in this post, but then I realized that not everyone has seen Confederate currency. They're truly remarkable works of art.
Speaking of money, it'll cost you exactly the value of Confederate currency to see the exhibit...not a penny! Wilbur G. Kurtz: History in Gone With the Wind is free of charge. The exhibit is in the Kenan Research Center, the standalone building located to the right of the main building.
Of course, I recommend visiting the entire 33-acre complex, but if you're short on time and budget, do try to fit in a visit to the Atlanta History Center to see this magnificent little, yet historically significant exhibit.
The exhibit's unique exploration of the making of the Oscar-winning film, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is also a glimpse into the golden era of Hollywood film-making, as well as a bit of insight into Margaret Mitchell's hand in the making of the movie.
 |
| Wilbur G. Kurtz: History in Gone With the Wind, Atlanta History Center |
This relatively small exhibit--compared to others at the Atlanta History Center--is epic in content. One of my favorite artifacts is a collection of watercolor title cards that were used in creating the original opening credits in earlier versions of the film.
Although I love the one of Rhett Butler, the one of Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara is certainly my favorite of all the title cards on display. And speaking of on display, many of the artifacts in this exhibit are on view to the public for the first time. So, even if you're the greatest Gone With the Wind fan of all time, there's yet something new for you to see!
 |
| Wilbur G. Kurtz: History in Gone With the Wind, Atlanta History Center |
The above pictured broken cherubs are a marvelous artifact. Remember the vase that Scarlett threw when in the library at Twelve Oaks Plantation? Kurtz collected the pieces and now, because of his love of history, we get to see the real thing.
The collection that comprises the exhibit is complements of the Atlanta History Center's Margaret Mitchell House, located in Midtown. They also house the portrait of Scarlett in the blue dress at which, later in the film, Rhett throws a whiskey glass. Seems there was a lot of throwing in Gone With the Wind.
 |
| Wilbur G. Kurtz: History in Gone With the Wind, Atlanta History Center |
If you're from Georgia, lived in Georgia or even visited certain parts of Georgia, you're probably quite familiar with Georgia red clay. There's nothing else quite like it. Kurtz, a sample of his attention to detail, provided Hollywood with samples of Georgia red clay "to ensure that the red earth of Tara and Atlanta's dirt streets were truly authentic as the Technicolor cameras rolled." That's what any brilliant technical advisor would do, right?
It doesn't immediately come to mind, but Atlanta was all dirt streets during the American Civil War and the restoration era. In fact, there were still a lot of dirt streets in Atlanta approximately 75 years later when Gone With the Wind was published!
 |
| Wilbur G. Kurtz: History in Gone With the Wind, Atlanta History Center |
Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind, did not go to California to ensure the details of her story, Atlanta, the Civil War, and reconstruction eras were accurate. Instead, at her recommendation, Selznick Studios hired historian and technical expert Wilbur G. Kurtz, with whom she corresponded quite often. That reminds me, I need to get some new personalized stationery...it's been years!
Kurtz, also a painter and illustrator, was born in Illinois, but lived in Atlanta--documenting her history--for 55 years before passing away in 1967. Having a love for history myself, I'm grateful to Kurtz for his contributions to preserving Atlanta history. And to the Atlanta History Center, for that matter.
 |
| Wilbur G. Kurtz: History in Gone With the Wind, Atlanta History Center |
Among the 40 images and artifacts in this high-impact exhibit are several Confederate bills. I wasn't sure I'd show any of them in this post, but then I realized that not everyone has seen Confederate currency. They're truly remarkable works of art.
Speaking of money, it'll cost you exactly the value of Confederate currency to see the exhibit...not a penny! Wilbur G. Kurtz: History in Gone With the Wind is free of charge. The exhibit is in the Kenan Research Center, the standalone building located to the right of the main building.
Of course, I recommend visiting the entire 33-acre complex, but if you're short on time and budget, do try to fit in a visit to the Atlanta History Center to see this magnificent little, yet historically significant exhibit.
1 comment:
Your post is excellent. I too share the same interest in Margaret Mitchell and Gone With the Wind.
I also have a deep appreciation for Wilbur G. Kurtz. His historical work, in prose and paint, regarding early Atlanta, the Old South, and the Civil War, is exceptional and second to none!
I agree that the exhibits at the AHC and the MMH are worth the time and effort to see.
DRC
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