Fifty years have passed since her death, but the image of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe is as enduring as ever.  Marilyn Monroe died in 1962 at the age of 36.  Her short but stellar life saw her make 29 films, pose for countless photographers and even sing on stage for the U.S. President.

Now, her colourful career, from model to movie star, has been charted in a new exhibition in London revealing rare photographs, portraits, original video and artifacts that once belonged to the star.  Included in the exhibition are a host of stunning black and white photos of Marilyn, some taken in the earlier part of her career, when she was still a brunette by the name of Norma Jean Baker; others from the latter part, when she was the platinum blonde icon whose image is familiar to us all.   The photographs, some candid snaps of Marilyn off-duty, others in which she adopts her classic sultry poses for the camera, have never been gathered together in one place for the public to view before now.

The exhibition also features a selection of original dresses and costumes worn by the star, which have been lent to the Getty Images Gallery by collector David Gainsborough Roberts, owner of the largest collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia in the world.

Louise Garczewska, Director, Getty Images Gallery says: ‘We are extremely excited to present our Marilyn exhibition, offering the public unparalleled and rare access to Marilyn's life through the iconic imagery from Getty Images' extensive archival collection.  David Gainsborough Roberts has kindly loaned us Marilyn's dresses which the public can see in London for the first time ever, making this exhibition a perfect tribute to one of Hollywood's greats.’

Extracted from: www.dailymail.co.uk