Jersey Heritage presents a new exhibition of stage and personal costumes worn by the screen idol Marilyn Monroe. At Jersey Museum from 25 March 2009, this exhibition combines these iconic costumes with accessories, jewellery, keepsakes and trinkets owned by Marilyn. Many of these items are on display to the public for the first time and the exhibition offers an intimate look into the life of the superstar.Sponsored by UBS AG this exhibition brings together costumes from some of Marilyn’s’ most famous movies, including the iconic red sequined gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). The ‘wiggle dress’ from Niagara, designed to accentuate the voluptuous curves of the star who competed for attention against the magnificent backdrop of Niagara Falls. There is also an elaborate stage costume worn by Marilyn in There's No Business Like Showbusiness (1954). Marilyn played the role of hat-check girl and sultry singer Vicky Hoffmann in this musical. The costume is constructed of a full length flesh-tone gown with a net overlay heavily embellished with flowers and leaves of sequins with white and silver bugle beads. A pleated panel was inserted into the revealing costume to cover Marilyn's bare leg when filming alternate shots for countries where such "nudity" was forbidden.
Personal items also in the collection include a Beverley Hills Hotel postcard sent by Marilyn to masseur Ralph Roberts who became a close friend. It reads, "Dear Raffe, See I did write! I have a surprise for you and I'm not pregnant either. XOXO Love M." A silver ring given to Marilyn by her mother and a relaxed photo of Marilyn taken on the set of The Misfits by world-renowned photographer Eve Arnold.
The collection has been loaned to Jersey Heritage by Jersey collector David Gainsborough-Roberts. David said: ‘I have been approached before by organisations to lend costumes for a Marilyn exhibition, but I’ve always said no. I want Jersey to have the privilege. I want to thank UBS and Christies for their support of this wonderful exhibition.’Eduard Klein from UBS AG said: ‘UBS is pleased to be associated with this unique exhibition celebrating the life and work of Marilyn Monroe, probably the ultimate screen icon, and in helping make this collection accessible to a wider audience’.
The Marilyn exhibition is on at Jersey Museum from March 25 to end of December 2009.
Please contact Jersey Heritage if you would like to see the costumes before they appear in the exhibition, photo opportunities can be arranged.
For more information contact:
Sophie Darwin, Jersey Heritage, +44(0)1534 633315 or email sophie.darwin@jerseyheritage.org
Click here for a news article on this exhibit.
Special thanks to Suzie Kennedy for sharing her personal images from this exhibit with me.
