Hundreds of Marilyn Monroe photographs, letters and autographs exceeded estimates at a major US sale this Saturday (March 31, 2012).
The Beverley Hills auction featured a range of Hollywood memorabilia, but it was Monroe's makeup artist, Allan "Whitey" Snyder's collection that brought the most interest from the film star's devoted fans.
 Marilyn Monroe 1953 Niagara slides |
One set of 11 original colour transparency slides, taken on the set of 1953's Niagara, together with a vintage black and white photograph of Snyder applying makeup to the glamorous film star sold for $17,187, soaring past its $2,000 high-estimate by 759.3%.
Other top-sellers at the auction included Snyder's collection of 29 colour slides from the set of River of No Return, which brought $15,625. One charming hand-written letter from Monroe to Snyder with the message: "Dear Whitey, Happy Holiday to you and Beverly and your family, even though you are making up Doris Day! Love, Marilyn", achieved $12,160 against an estimate of $4,000.
An unrivalled provenance and great timing ensured the sale was a tremendous success for the Hollywood auction house. With 2012 marking the 50th anniversary of her rendition of "Happy Birthday" to John F. Kennedy as well as her death, Marilyn Monroe memorabilia has risen in value considerably. The PFC40 Autograph Index shows that Monroe's autograph has risen 7.82% pa in value since 2000 and is currently valued at £6,750.
We have a number of Marilyn Monroe autographs currently in stock, including this bank cheque signed by Monroe as president of Marilyn Monroe Productions.
