Atlanta Civic Center

As a shy but beautiful young woman Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales, swept into the hearts of nearly everyone who ever caught a glimpse of her – even if it was only through the telephoto lens. Now, Atlanta admirers have a chance to get up-close-and-personal with some of the iconic items that were so intricately a part of her life at the “Diana: A Celebration” exhibit.

Near and far, royalist or parliamentarian, British or not, her devotees have spanned the spectrum. Somehow, Diana superseded the un-relatable stigma usually attached to royalty and became the “People’s Princess.” It’s the reason crowds all over the world still are mesmerized by her life, humanitarian work and memory.

The exhibit, presented by Delta Airlines, unfurls Diana’s relatively short life – from ancestry to death – in a way that respectfully shares a bit of her private life with the world, making an already approachable persona even more accessible. Like leafing through an old photo album at a friend’s memorial, the nine galleries of the exhibit place Diana in the context of where she came from, as well as who she went onto become.

Over 150 personal artifacts are on display within the exhibit, beginning with one of her royal crowns, which dates back to the early 1900’s. Family heirlooms, jewels and ancestral portraits give us an idea her family importance. Then, once the exhibition has established the Spencer legacy, it takes us through Diana’s own life with display cases of personal letters, school uniforms, prized toys, childhood photo albums, home movies and all the famous wedding paraphernalia, including the gown designed by English couple, Elizabeth and David Emanuel.

Her invitation into the royal family and subsequent life therein, including the birth of her two sons, is also chronicled. Followed by a gallery showcasing letters, speeches and photographs from her humanitarian work. Marked up copies of Elton John’s moving adaptation of “Candle in the Wind” and the original text of Earl Spencer’s tribute to his sister at the funeral take us back to the tragic moment each of us learned of her death.

Finally, the progression of Diana’s own influence upon fashion is showcased in a gallery containing over 28 easily recognized dresses, suits and evening gowns the Princess wore throughout her public life, including the Azagury dress she wore at her 36th birthday party – her last public appearance.

The exhibit, which began in January, will run through June 13, 2010 at the Atlanta Civic Center before returning to Diana’s ancestral estate in England.

- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Christine Foster

Christine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.