Sat 25th June – Mon 25th July 2016
Newbridge Silverware’s Museum of Style Icons (MOSI) in conjunction with auctioneers to the stars Julien’s Auctions of Beverly Hills, is delighted to announce that one of the most significant exhibitions of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia will arrive at MOSI for one month from 25th June – 25th July. This announcement is made on the eve of what would have been the icon’s 90th birthday.The collection, which is being auctioned by Julien’s Auctions later this year, includes Marilyn Monroe Property from the collection of David Gainsborough-Roberts, Marilyn Monroe Property from The Estate of Lee Strasberg and items from the Marilyn Monroe Estate.
The exhibition will feature film costumes, personal gowns, jewellery, never before seen letters and photographs belonging to the screen icon and is a rare opportunity for the general public to view this prolific collection before it goes under the hammer in LA in November. Newbridge is the last European stop before this exhibition goes to the US on tour.
Regarded as the original ‘sex symbol’, Ms. Monroe was known for her glamorous style both on and off screen. Highlights of the exhibition include items such as the sheer beaded and sequinned dress Monroe wore as she sang I’m Through With Love in the award winning film Some Like it Hot, which today is considered one of the greatest comedy films ever. The film won the Golden Globe for Best Picture in 1960 and Monroe won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Showgirl, Sugar Kane, perhaps one of her most famous roles. Orry-Kelly won the 1959 Academy Award for costume design for his work on this film.
Other items of note include the white full-length gown of satin with sheer overlay embellished with faux pearls created by Academy Award nominated designer Beatrice Dawson and worn by Marilyn in The Prince and The Showgirl in which she starred alongside Sir Laurence Olivier.
The elaborate stage costume worn by Marilyn as she sang, After You Get What You Want You Don’t Want It in the 1953 comedy There’s No Business like Show Business is another highlight. It was created by one of Marilyn’s all-time favourite designers, Academy Award winning designer William ‘Billy’ Travilla, who was a personal friend of Marilyn.
Other costumes include the green satin one-piece with black sequins and gold fringe Marilyn wore as she sang That Old Black Magic in Bus Stop. Marilyn received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Cherie, and the film itself was nominated for the Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy Golden Globe. The famous ‘wiggle dress’ designed by Dorothy Jenkins for the 1953 thriller Niagara, also will be on display. This feature film established Marilyn as a star, and showcased her dramatic acting abilities. While ultimately not worn in the film, Marilyn wore this dress to various events and for publicity photos.
This collection also includes documents that represent signposts containing unbiased factual information placing the star in a certain place on a certain day. These tangible items left behind to mark simple and remarkable moments in Marilyn’s life and career, from a taxi receipt dated February 2, 1960 listing the trip details as simply “From: 904 To: 20th Century” to a cheque dated July 25, 1952 written in Monroe’s hand to her mother Gladys Eley in the amount of $150.00 endorsed by her mother signed, “Mrs. Gladys P. Eley.” In addition to household, food, fur, books, beauty, and clothing receipts, there are tax documents listing the star’s expenditures in great detail, a collection of recipes given to her by friends, and of certain interest is her 1962 chequebook containing the filled out stubs of every cheque written from her account in the final year of her life.
Commenting on the arrival of the exhibition William Doyle, CEO, Newbridge Silverware said:
“We are honoured to welcome this unbelievable exhibition to the Museum of Style Icons. This will be the most noteworthy collections of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia in the world and is a must-see for not only Monroe fans but anyone who is a fan of the golden era of Hollywood. The collection comprises some of her most famous garments as well as personal letters and photographs and provides a fascinating insight into the woman.
At MOSI, we already have a significant collection of Monroe letters and garments, so our own items coupled with this exhibition will make it one of the most comprehensive collections available to view anywhere in the world.”
Located within the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, the Museum of Style Icons boasts one of the world’s largest and most unique collections of authentic couture and paper artefacts associated with Audrey Hepburn, Princess Grace, Michael Jackson and many more.
A one-hour guided tour is available of The Museum of Style Icons, which will include the Marilyn Monroe Exhibition. To book, please visit www.NewbridgeSilverware.com/MOSI/Tickets or call 045 431301. The cost is €5 per person, and the proceeds go towards the conservation of the museum collection. The Museum of Style Icons is free to enter and open seven days a week.
