The exhibition includes props, outfits and love letters.

Marilyn Monroe once said: “It’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring”. If you want to explore the thrilling yet tragic life and career of the American movie star, then put this new Marilyn Monroe London exhibition on your radar. MARILYN – The Exhibition opens at Arches London Bridge on 18 October. 

MARILYN – The Exhibition celebrates the star’s life. Ted Stampfer is a collector of Marilyn memorabilia, and he is sharing 250 objects in the exhibition. The items include accessories, childhood drawings, family photos, make-up, movie props, outfits, robes, scripts, and shoes. Plus, love letters are on show, giving insight into her much-publicised personal life. 

Collector and curator, Ted Stampfer, explained: “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.”

Marilyn was born in Los Angeles, United States. Her original name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, and she later changed it for her onscreen persona. During the 1950s and 1960s, she played the leading role in the films Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire and Niagara. 

Over her career, she had high-profile relationships with the baseball player Joe DiMaggio and the playwright Arthur Miller. In 1962, aged 36 years old, she was found dead following an overdose. Since her death, she remains a screen icon, and has been celebrated by the American Film Institute and in the film My Week With Marilyn.

The Marilyn Monroe London exhibition opens on 18 October.

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GO: Visit https://marilynlondonbridge.co.uk/ for more information.