Julien’s Auctions, the auction house to the stars, has announced one of its most rare and extraordinary auctions to date, The Lost Archives of Marilyn Monroe. The collection is a remarkable look into the private life of screen goddess Marilyn Monroe and features extremely personal items never before seen by the public. This collection which was originally given to her mentor and coach Lee Strasberg who later gifted it to a friend features love letters, photographs, personal items, personal records and documents and other memorabilia which were in the possession of Marilyn Monroe herself. They offer a rare glimpse into the private life of Monroe through the various mementos she chose to keep herself.

The collection was stored away until recently.  The Lost Archives of Marilyn Monroe is a collection of over 200 very rare items which will be auctioned during the highly anticipated Icons & Idols: Hollywood auction event to be held December 5 & 6, 2014 at the Julien’s Auctions Beverly Hills gallery located at 9665 Wilshire Blvd.

The love letters written to Marilyn from husbands Arthur Miller and Joe DiMaggio are worthy of a movie script.

Letters from Joe written to Marilyn proclaiming his undying love after their separation and Arthur Miller’s brilliantly written love letters to Monroe during their courtship and marriage are so personal, so emotional and so captivating that one can’t help but think of how deeply loved Monroe was loved throughout her lifetime by these two men.

Monroe saved a number of them contained within this collection.  In them, Miller expresses his love and encourages a despairing Monroe.  A letter from Joe DiMaggio, written just after Monroe revealed in a press conference that the pair was getting a divorce, asks Monroe to come back to him.  Also present are handwritten letters Monroe never sent, one is a response intended for Miller.

The outstanding collection also includes personal photographs, contact sheets, contracts, personal letters and messages.  It includes other letters from actors like Cary Grant, Jane Russell and others as well as Hollywood management and elite.   Monroe’s personal copy of a behind-the-scenes film reel from The Misfits is also among the items that will be sold.  The 16mm, 19 minute film begins with the cast arriving in Reno, Nevada for filming and ends with a beach scene from the film where Monroe leaps from the water into Clark Gable’s arms.  The reel is an extraordinary piece of Hollywood history and Monroe’s own collection of personal items.

Other highlights of this rare archive include photographs Monroe kept of herself from Manfred Kreiner, Milton Greene, Cecil Beaton and numerous contact sheets from the set of The Misfits; prescriptions and letters from her doctors; cards and gift enclosures from her friends and admirers – including Marlon Brando; financial records; numerous phone messages received while she was a guest at the Beverly Hills Hotel; and letters from 20th Century Fox and other career related documents.

 “We are all in awe of this opportunity to offer such a rare collection and glimpse into Marilyn Monroe’s life,” said Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions.  “You can’t help but get emotional on several levels when you have the chance to read the letters and view some of the photographs and witness Marilyn’s own attempt at correspondence.”                                                                  

“In addition to the stunning array of items being offered from The Lost Archive of Marilyn Monroe, we will offer a collection of additional Marilyn Monroe memorabilia,” said Darren Julien, Founder & CEO of Julien’s Auctions. “We are so proud of the reputation we have been able to build for selling rare and fine Marilyn Monroe items and are quite sure that this auction will not disappoint.”

Other highlights of the auction include Marilyn Monroe’s “favorite coat” worn in the mid- to late-1950s, numerous photographs of Monroe in a silk and velvet classic and her black velvet cocktail dress and opera coat.

Additionally, collectors will have the chance to bid on her rhinestone studded hairpins; make-up; jewelry; ultra-personal lingerie and many other decorative items from Monroe’s homes. Also included is a collection of items from Monroe’s biographer, Lois Banner. This includes many items discussed in Banner’s book Marilyn: The Passion and the Paradox, including a Poucette painting, photographs, letters written by Monroe’s mother, financial documents, and an article manuscript written by Arthur Miller.        

More info: www.juliensauctions.com