Rare prints of Marilyn Monroe to go on display at 90th birthday exhibition

A print of Marilyn Monroe by Milton H. Greene,(OnGallery/Milton H. Greene/PA Wire)

RARE prints of Marilyn Monroe will feature in a pop-up exhibition celebrating what would have been the Hollywood star’s 90th birthday.

Spanning 16 years of her life, the prints range from the actress in 1946 when still known as Norma Jean Baker to “Last Sitting” images by Bert Stern taken just six weeks before her death.

Stern’s images include the “crucifix” shots, taken from negatives which Monroe drew a cross through so they would not be published, but which took on a more poignant meaning several weeks later.

Presented by online gallery ONGallery and the Playboy Club London, the Happy Birthday Miss Monroe collection will also include rare images signed by Hugh Hefner, including a nude of Monroe celebrating her first Sweetheart of the Month award.

Marilyn Monroe poses in a ballerina dress by fashion designer Anne Klein as part of the 'Ballerina' series, 1954 (OnGallery/Milton H. Greene) — Marilyn Monroe poses in a ballerina dress by fashion designer Anne Klein as part of the ‘Ballerina’ series, 1954<br />(OnGallery/Milton H. Greene)

Featuring are some of the most memorable images of the ’50s sex symbol, including Andy Warhol’s famous pop-art portraits, Frank Worth’s photo of her billowing white dress from The Seven Year Itch and Monroe as a ballerina by Milton Greene.