Monroe fans get chance to see star's belongings

Fans of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe will tomorrow be given a rare glimpse of some of her most intimate possessions when they go on show for the first time in Ireland.

The world exclusive preview of 150 items from the Californian home of the glamorous movie star will be uncovered before being auctioned in the United States.

Clothes from the screen legend’s personal and professional wardrobe, furniture from her hacienda-style home, memorabilia from her one-time personal secretary and stylist Peter Leonardi, and a pictorial montage depicting the final six weeks of her life are among the items exhibited at the Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icon in Co Kildare.

The collection will be on view to the public until June 1 – what would be Monroe’s 83rd birthday – before being sold by celebrity auction house Julien’s Auctions at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in June.

Phil Donnelly, of Newbridge Silverware, said the exhibition was a trip down memory lane and a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Monroe’s life.

The star’s pink Pucci dress, valued at $25,000 (€18,200), a fur stole she wore at numerous public engagements, worth $15,000 (€11,000), and an orange Pucci blouse seen in photographs taken by George Barris are among the highlights on show.

Fans can also see an Andre de Dienes photograph of the actress in 1949 at Tobey Beach and the umbrella used in the shoot, valued at $18,000 (€13,300).

But many of the items from Monroe’s Brentwood home, where she died in August 1962, are also quite poignant, said Ms Donnelly.

“The last photograph that Marilyn did in her home was photographed by Allan Grant on July 7 for an article in Life magazine,” she continued.

“It went on the news stands on August 3, and the next day Marilyn died.

“It’s one of the last shots taken of her.

“We also have the very last garment which she is purported to have worn, a white terry cloth robe which was found discarded next to her body.”

More than 30,000 people from all over Europe recently visited the Museum of Style Icons to catch a glimpse of the world exclusive of Michael Jackson’s belongings, which were due to go under the hammer until the pop star pulled the plug.

Designers have now recreated Monroe’s Mexican-style living room in the museum, down to a coffee table, chairs, figurines and even books she was reading. Elsewhere, the star’s cosmetics, hair pins, and jewellery rest on a dressing table.

Irish-born Martin Nolan, executive director of the LA-based Julien’s Auctions, said he was back in his home country with an amazing collection of some never-before-seen Marilyn Monroe items.

“When we were here with Michael Jackson, who again is an iconic figure, we had such an overwhelming response we wanted to come back to Ireland again with an impressive exhibition,” said Mr Nolan.

“Because Marilyn Monroe is a true icon in every sense of the word, we thought it was fitting to launch this exhibition from here.”