Marilyn Monroe exhibition opens in Jersey

Jersey Heritage is pleased to announce a brand new exhibition of stage and personal costumes worn by the screen idol Marilyn Monroe, the majority of which will be on show to the public in one exhibition, for the very first time.

The exhibition, to be held at the Jersey Museum from the 25th March 2009, combines iconic costumes with accessories, jewellery, keepsakes and trinkets owned by Marilyn.

This exhibition is a window into the life of the ultimate Hollywood star.

Sponsored by UBS AG this exclusive exhibition brings together costumes from some of Marilyn’s’ most famous movies, including the iconic red sequined gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and the 'wiggle dress' from Niagara, which was specifically designed to accentuate the voluptuous curves of the star against the magnificent competing backdrop of Niagara Falls.

There is also an elaborate stage costume worn by Marilyn in There's No Business Like Showbusiness (1954), where Marilyn played the role of hat-check girl and sultry singer Vicky Hoffmann. 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 in the collection include 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. On show will also be 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."

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."

David Baker 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 until the end of December 2009.

Chris O'Toole