by Library News
Wrestling Dynasty Showcased at UTA Libraries
"The Iron Claw," a film about the professional wrestling dynasty Von Erich family was released in theaters Dec. 22. UTA Libraries has an exhibit featuring photographs and memorabilia documenting their time in the ring, which is on display until Monday, Jan. 8.
Sara Pezzoni, photo collections coordinator, stated the photos selected highlight the Von Erichs’ at the height of their popularity, providing a window into that moment.
"I wanted to highlight photos of the Von Erichs at their peak in the early 1980s and display photos that speak to what the world of wrestling was like during that time," Sara said. "I think ‘The Iron Claw’ (movie) also takes this approach in focusing primarily on this specific time in their family's history."
The Von Erich Wrestling Family exhibit features photos and memorabilia from the Von Erich family's professional wrestling career.
The World Wrestling Entertainment website states that family patriarch Fritz Von Erich quickly rose to become a top performer in the wrestling industry in the 1960s and 1970s, based upon his imposing presence in the ring, combined with a very powerful and convincing finishing maneuver known as "The Iron Claw."
After his time in the ring ended, Fritz stayed in a promotional capacity, heading up World Class Championship Wrestling. Fritz's sons Kerry, Kevin, Chris, Mike and David followed in their father's footsteps as professional wrestlers. The Von Erich family was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a group in 2009.
The Von Erich Wrestling Family exhibit features photos and memorabilia from the Von Erich family's professional wrestling career.
Sara stated that mini-exhibits are a great way to showcase items from Special Collections to the public.
"Mini-exhibits often pique curiosities and encourage patrons to step through our doors to learn more about what else we have to offer that may be of interest to them," she said. "We often share collection materials that connect to current events and make them relevant in that context. So, with the upcoming release of a biographical film based on a local family's story, we feel that this mini-exhibit will resonate with our local community."
These photos were also part of a previous Special Collections exhibit that can be viewed online called "Ringside: Memories of World Class Championship Wrestling."
Remember, before heading out to the movie theater, stop by the Special Collections Department on the sixth floor of the UTA Central Library to view the exhibit on display till Jan. 8.
"The Iron Claw" opened in theaters on Dec. 22.
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