Marilyn Monroe, the iconic Hollywood actress known for her beauty and charm, is being commemorated through an upcoming auction at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. This auction, titled ‘100 Years of Marilyn,’ will feature a variety of Marilyn Monroe’s personal belongings, such as unseen photographs and her handwritten recipe for Thanksgiving turkey stuffing, in celebration of what would have been her 100th birthday on June 1.
Martin Nolan, co-founder of the auction house, emphasized Monroe’s lasting impact on culture, describing her as a transformative star who reshaped the entertainment industry. The auction will include around 350 to 400 lots, showcasing items ranging from her wardrobe pieces to documents and even the wooden gates from her California residence.
Scheduled for June 4, the centenary sale will offer a diverse array of items, including ballgowns, private movie contracts, cosmetics, and scripts associated with Monroe. The auction aims to honor Monroe’s enduring legacy and her status as a cultural icon of the 20th century, according to Nolan.
The surge in demand for Monroe-related memorabilia has been influenced by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, who recently wore Monroe’s iconic 1962 ‘Happy Birthday Mr President’ dress at the Met Gala. This trend has amplified the appeal of Monroe’s personal items and artifacts among collectors and enthusiasts.
Despite Monroe’s untimely death at the age of 36, her influence remains strong, as evidenced by the upcoming auction’s focus on her personal possessions. The auction will feature significant items such as her elegant evening gowns, contracts, and personal photographs, providing insights into Monroe’s life, style, and relationships.
Highlighted pieces include Monroe’s make-up items, personal garments, and rare photographs capturing various moments in her career. The auction will also showcase mundane yet intriguing items like her handwritten cheques and account statements, offering a glimpse into Monroe’s daily life and spending habits.
This auction at Julien’s comes after a previous auction in 1999 at Christie’s in New York, where numerous Monroe-related items were sold. Notably, an Andy Warhol portrait of Monroe set a record for the most expensive 20th-century artwork ever sold at auction. As the auction date approaches, fans and collectors are eager to participate in acquiring a piece of Marilyn Monroe’s legacy.