Marilyn Monroe unseen photographs set hearts racing in Beverly Hills

A series of sensational unseen photographs of Marilyn Monroe are coming to auction in the US later in the month.

More than 100 photos of Monroe, and their copyrights, will be auctioned at a major sale of Hollywood memorabilia in Beverly Hills on March 31.

They come from the collection of the film star's makeup artist between 1946 and 1962, Allan "Whitey" Snyder.

They include four black and white photographs of "Whitey" applying makeup to a lingerie-clad Monroe on the set of 1960 movie Let's Make Love, estimated at $400-600.

This is a cautious valuation in our opinion, considering the unique nature of these snaps, and the importance of 2012 to Monroe collectors.

Marilyn Monroe photograph
Marilyn puckers up for “Whitey”

We believe 2012 will be the year that the Monroe memorabilia market, already a strong performer, reaches new levels.

On May 19 it will be the 50th anniversary of the night she sang her rendition of "Happy Birthday" for President John F Kennedy.

August 5 will mark 50 years since her death, at the age of just 36.

According to the PFC40 Autograph Index, Monroe's autograph has risen 7.82% pa in value since 2000. It is currently listed at £6,750 ($10,600).

We have a limited number of Marilyn Monroe autographs currently in stock, including a superb advertising slip for Monroe's first movie, Love Happy, signed by Monroe on the reverse.

The Snyder collection also includes six transparency slides taken of Monroe from 1957 film The Prince and the Showgirl.

We will bring you more previews from this stunning auction over the coming days.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock