Gone with the Wind: A Journey Through Textiles, Design, and History

The Jerusalem Film Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an exclusive exhibition featuring original costume design sketches, storyboards, and scene drawings from one of the most iconic films of all time, Gone with the Wind (1939, directed by Victor Fleming). These priceless works of art were donated anonymously to the Jerusalem Film Center by art collectors affiliated with the film, and were first shown at the 6th Jerusalem Film Festival in 1989. We are proud to present them once again, after a full restoration through a complex conservation process.

The exhibition features some of the film’s most memorable scenes: the burning of Atlanta, with its striking red-orange color scheme, the magnificent Tara mansion, the grand hall of Twelve Oaks mansion, and the hospital in the old church, as well as a series of 12 costume drawings. These beautiful works were created by the film's design team: Walter Plunkett (costume designer), William Cameron Menzies (production designer), and H. Richmonds.

Producer David O. Selznick, the driving force behind the film, demanded authenticity, attention to detail, and meticulous examination of every item from the designers. In total, 5,500 costume sketches were drawn, leading to the creation of 5,000 items, and over 3,000 set designs were created, with 200 sets designed and 90 built. One of the most notable scenes, Atlanta is Burning, was filmed first and is considered one of the film’s most spectacular. The set design, with five-foot-high flames, cost $25,000 and resulted in 113 minutes of film. Two of the sketches for this scene are included in the exhibition. Menzies' contribution was so significant that Selznick coined the term "Production Designer" in his honor. Menzies won a special Academy Award in 1940 for his outstanding use of color to enhance dramatic mood.

At the heart of the exhibition are the captivating costumes of Gone with the Wind. Legendary designer Walter Plunkett not only defined the film’s characters through his costumes but also managed to visually capture the essence of the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Each costume is a masterpiece rich in detail and symbolism, carefully created to reflect the personal development of the characters. Plunkett's designs have become a symbol of the film's timeless, iconic image. The exhibition presents 12 original sketches by Plunkett in gouache, charcoal, and pencil, some accompanied by fabric samples he selected. Among them are ball gowns, suits, everyday wear, lingerie, and even the famous Bonnie Blue costume. The captions next to each piece feature the original descriptions from the sketches.

The displayed pieces required extensive conservation due to the ravages of time—aging, wear, and tear. Conservation efforts included removing dust, cleaning stains, fixing tears, straightening wrinkles, and strengthening the paper substrates. Once restored, the pieces were returned to their original gilded frames, which were also reinforced and refreshed. The result is a breathtaking return to the works' former glory.

As you explore these exquisite sketches and designs, you'll discover the artistry behind the film’s iconic costumes and the sweeping landscapes and dramatic moments that helped define Gone with the Wind’s cinematic legacy. We invite you to step behind the scenes of this epic story and celebrate the brilliant creators who brought this masterpiece to life on the big screen.

April-May 2025

Opening hours, during the Cinemtheque's activities

Conservation of art works on paper: Michael Maggen

Historical research courtesy of the Ostrovsky Family Foundation

With thanks to Deborah Siegel for her invaluable assistance