Toronto Star Wars Fan mounts -unofficial Star Wars exhibit at Design Exchange July 8, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in design exchange, dx, Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi, Star Wars, starwars, Toronto.trackback
Lucas is obsessive about his trademarks. Over the years there have been many Star Wars tributes and exhibits at museums around the globe but i’ve never EVER heard of one being mounted (in a very public gallery that charges admission) without the consent of Lucasfilm.
Yet that’s what’s happening in Toronto this summer.
The official citation for the event as listed on the event venue’s site states:
Ian A. Anthony Presents: Assembling a Galaxy
June 29 – August 25, 2007Celebrate 30 years of Star Wars with “Assembling a Galaxy.” An exciting exhibition of a fantastic array of objects gathered from times long ago and places far, far away. Assembling a Galaxy is an educational exhibit not affiliated with nor supported by Lucasfilm Limited. Not an official exhibit.
Yet the Design Exchange (the venue) has issued a very official looking press release which does not mention that it is not a LucasFilm sanctioned event. While this site is all about fandom and I certainly celebrate those in Star Wars fandom – to have an event at a museum that you charge admission for that does not have any sort of Lucas involvement is a bit ‘offsetting’ to say the least.(I probably have more stuff in my basement anyways…maybe i should put on a show..)
That said – it’ll be an exhibit that ShowMeSciFi will be sure to check out next time we’re in Toronto…though a quick trip to eBay might be the same thing..
Anthony (the event ‘curator’) started the majority of his collecting, valued at $15,000, in 2005. He has found most of the unique items on eBay, such as an autographed stormtrooper helmet from Albin Johnson, founder of the 501st Legion, a group dedicated to creating authentic imperial uniforms.
Show Me SciFi 
Actually, there is no admission charged to view Assembling A Galaxy, and no funds of any sort are being raised from the exhibit.
Previously, a fan-based exhibit was hosted at the McHenry Museum in Modesto, California during the summer of 2006.
http://www.mchenrymuseum.org/museum/past_exhibits/starwars.html