Marilyn Monroe’s private collection to be exhibited in London

More than 250 items previously belonging to Marilyn Monroe will be exhibited in the UK for the first time.

Marilyn – The Exhibition will come to London in October, with the actor’s love letters, satin robes and make-up on display to the public.

They come from the private collection of Ted Stampfer, who owns more than 1,500 items owned by the Hollywood star.

Exhibition highlights include items from her production company, memorabilia from her shoots in London and images from her meeting with Queen Elizabeth II.

Some of her most famous outfits will also be available to view, taking visitors through her origins as Norma Jeane Mortenson, to her life as a legendary public figure.

Make-up, shoes and beauty items will also make up part of the display.

Stampfer, who has curated the exhibition, says he is “delighted” that his personal collection will be exhibited in London.

“In 1962, after her death, her items were stored and preserved, almost like they were in a time capsule, for nearly four decades,” he added.

“It’s wonderful to be able to share these unique pieces which can give us a real insight into her life, allowing us today to get closer to the real Marilyn Monroe and her true identity.”

Despite dying more than 60 years ago, Marilyn Monroe remains a huge pop culture figure globally.

Known for playing comic blonde characters, the American star appeared in popular films such as As Young as You Feel and Monkey Business.

She was one of Hollywood’s top actors for more than a decade, with her films grossing more than $200, (£152m) in the 1940s and 1950s.

Monroe was the first person to model on the cover and the centrefold of Playboy magazine – making her one of the first truly marketable stars.

Her private life was followed closely in the press – including her three failed marriages to James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller.

She died of a drug overdose in her Los Angeles home at the age of 36, with her death ruled as a probable suicide.