Marilyn’s memorabilia: Vintage Seekers sell rare collectibles to commemorate anniversary of her death

2^nd August 2012

Khaleda Rahman

Khaleda Rahman

2 August 2012

Marilyn Monroe – blonde bombshell, sex symbol, actress, pop culture icon – she has one of the most recognisable faces in the world. Upon her death, Life magazine wrote: “Her death has diminished the loveliness of the world in which we live.”

As the 50th anniversary of the death of one of the most famous icons Hollywood has ever produced approaches (5^th August), Vintage Seekers are offering collectors authentic vintage pieces related to the actress, from signed pictures to film posters and rare books.

Collectibles on offer include:

1956 Signed Photograph of Marilyn Monroe by Cecil Beaton – £19,500This stunning sepia-toned portrait of the star, pictured reclining on a bed holding a flower to her chest, was taken by renowned photographer Cecil Beaton. Signed “For Gene, Love and Kisses, Marilyn Monroe”, it costs a small fortune, but is in superb condition, mounted, framed and glazed. The aforementioned Gene is Gene Gill, for whom the item was acquired by actress Madge Kennedy in 1960. Monroe told Kennedy at the time that it was her personal favourite!

1950s Marilyn Monroe Handwritten Note with Signature – £4,950

“To Flo, Best Wishes, Marilyn Monroe” are the words on a rare handwritten and signed note by Marilyn Monroe, dated to the 1950s.

Norman Mailer, Bert Stern: Marilyn Monroe Collector’s Ed – £650

And for fans of Marilyn who want a more affordable piece of memorabilia, this Collectors’ Edition coffee table book pairs Norman Mailer’s original text from his 1973 biography Marilyn with Bert Stern’s remarkable photographs, considered by many as the most intimate ever taken of the actress. Limited to a total of 1,962 numbered copies and signed by Bert Stern; these books are future vintage, sure to gain in value in time.

Other rare items include an autographed cheque by Marilyn from 1957, for just under £4,950, an original US film posters of Some Like it Hot for £3000 and a signed magazine cut-out of the star for £9,950. To see the entire collection, visit the Vintage Seekers here.

 Khaleda Rahman
Photo: Courtesy of Vintage Seekers