Topless Marilyn Monroe prints take centre-stage at 90th birthday exhibition
RARE photographs of Marilyn Monroe will feature in a new pop-up exhibition celebrating what would have been her 90th birthday.
Spanning 16 years of her life, the smouldering prints range from the actress in 1946 when she was known as Norma Jeane Dougherty to "Last Sitting" images by Bert Stern taken just six weeks before her death.
The photographer's images include the "crucifix" shots, taken from negatives which Marilyn drew a cross through so they would not be published, but which took on a more poignant meaning several weeks later.
The blonde beauty - who would have turned 90 today - was found dead on August 5, 1962, from a barbiturate overdose at the age of just 36.
Presented by online gallery ONGallery and the Playboy Club London, the Happy Birthday Miss Monroe collection will feature scarce images signed by Playboy's Hugh Hefner.
These include a nude of Marilyn celebrating her first Sweetheart of the Month award.
Meanwhile, another sexy shot sees the stunner go topless in just a tiny pair of shorts, cowboy boots and a matching hat.
Another equally eye-popping number shows Marilyn in an embellished sheer top, which she holds up to just below her eyes.
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Meanwhile, the collection exhibits some of the most memorable images of the 1950s sex symbol.
Andy Warhol's famous pop-art portraits, Frank Worth's photo of her billowing white dress from The Seven Year Itch and the starlet as a ballerina by Milton Greene can also be viewed.
ONGallery and Playboy Club's Happy Birthday Miss Monroe exhibition opens Thursday and will run until June 30 at The Showroom Presents.