HollywoodFrom September 7-9, 2017 collectors came together to celebrate the Magic of the Movies as seen through the creative lens of R. John Wright! "HOLLYWOOD" - the 7th R. John Wright Convention - was held at the Hilton Albany in downtown Albany, New York.
Convention activities began with luxury coach transportation from the Hilton to Bennington, Vermont - approximately one hour away. Visitors were given a tour of the R. John Wright showroom where rare RJW pieces were available for purchase. There was a catered box luncheon in a festival tent on the R. John Wright property overlooking Vermont's lovely Green Mountains. John and Susan Wright hosted small groups in their design studio where all of the magic and ideas spring to life. In the production workshop, guests were able to ask questions of the RJW Artisans and see firsthand the processes behind the RJW creations.
Albany and its historic architecture have been the setting for numerous films over the years. The spectacular, fully-restored, Palace Theatre - just a short walk from the hotel - collaborated with us to bring you classic Hollywood films as they were meant to be seen! Convention registrants were treated to a special screening of 2 of the greatest films ever made: The Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind.
The Palace Theatre
Back at the Hilton the fun continued with a very special exhibit of original Shirley Temple costumes and dolls! A variety of movie-themed ticketed events with souvenirs followed to thrill collectors of every persuasion. There was a 'Brown Derby' event to evoke the famed restaurant, a Gone With the Wind event titled 'Moonlight & Magnolias, and a frightful breaksfast event to launch the new 'Monster Mice' series. A convention highlight was the gala luncheon event - Hooray for Hollywood! - with a costume competition! Attendees vied for prizes in several different categories for the best movie-themed costume. The RJW Salesroom again featured rare archival editions and exclusive vintage accessories and materials not found anywhere else.
The elegant final banquet "That's Entertainment!" meal and program concluded with the presentation of the convention souvenir doll to each fully-registered guest! The eagerly-awaited souvenir was a cabinet-size version of "Baby Peggy" - the great child star of the Silent Era holding a miniature 1920's Kewpie doll!
We're pleased to present some of the items introduced at the 2017 R. John Wright Convention:
Bride of Frankenstein
Frankenstein
Winged Monkey
Bonnie Blue Butler
Baby Peggy
