A Marilyn Monroe exhibition will offer a rare glimpse into the private world of the late movie star.
‘MARILYN – The Exhibition’ opens at Arches London Bridge in October and features 250 objects from the private collection of Ted Stampfer, the world's most prolific collector of memorabilia relating to the icon.
From love letters, satin robes and timeless outfits, to vintage shoes, make-up and accessories, this meticulously curated collection will allow fans to get up close to Monroe's belongings, and trace her transformation from Norma Jeane Baker to worldwide renown.
Original press photo and Marilyn Monroe's satin high heel shoe, which she wore at her January 1954 press conference announcing the formation of her own film production company (Image: The Ted Stampfer Collection)
Along the way, the exhibition touches on Marilyn's career, marriages, notoriety, untimely death and ongoing influence on film, music, fashion, design, art and culture.
Her image has been adopted and reinterpreted by celebrities from Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Angelina Jolie to Kim Kardashian and continues to make her one of the most influential personalities of the 20th Century.
Exhibition highlights include fascinating artefacts concerning the creation of her own film production company, memorabilia from her film production ventures in London in 1956, and her historic meeting with Queen Elizabeth II.
Also on display are the make-up and beauty accessories she used to craft her distinctive image and outfits made famous by her films and photoshoots. Handwritten notes, childhood drawings, letters, family photographs, books, scripts and props from her films will also be on display.
Marilyn Monroe’s black turtleneck sweater and white capri pants by JAX, worn in various private and public moments between 1953-1956 © all copyrights reserved by Ted Stampfer Collection (Image: The Ted Stampfer Collection)
Marilyn Monroe collector and curator Ted Stampfer says: "I’m delighted that some of the most fascinating artefacts from my personal collection will be on display in London for the first time.
"Much has been written and discussed about Marilyn over the decades but no one can say with absolute certainty what the truth is. What we can consider, in addition to her film and photographic legacy, are her personal material possessions.
"In 1962, after her death, her items were stored and preserved, almost like they were in a time capsule, for nearly four decades! It’s wonderful to be able to share these unique pieces which can give us a real insight into her life, allowing us today to get closer to the real Marilyn Monroe and her true identity."
Liz Koravos, Managing Director of Arches London Bridge says: "As the original bombshell Hollywood stereotype, we are lifting the curtain for a glimpse of the real Marilyn behind the icon.
"As one of the first women carefully placed on the pedestal of celebrity by the adoring public and simultaneously torn down, Marilyn’s life, career and death has become legend. London is thrilled to receive the curated private collection of Ted Stampfer which brings to life the woman behind the brand we all know so well."
MARILYN The Exhibition runs from October 18. Further details from www.marilynlondonbridge.co.uk.
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