Milton H. Greene,  As a Seductive Ballerina NY (1956)
Photo: via Little Black Gallery

Little Black Gallery is bringing classic Hollywood glamour to London in the shape of Marilyn Monroe. The newly-opened exhibition “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” showcases both rare and classic images of the screen goddess by two legendary photographers, Milton H. Greene, and Douglas Kirkland.

Milton H. Greene,  THe Hooker Sitting (1956)
Photo: via Little Black Gallery

Marilyn Monroe features in some of the most iconic photographs and movies ever made, yet decades after her death, unseen and rare images of the controversial beauty still emerge.

Milton H. Green was one of the first big fashion photographers and is credited, alongside the likes of Cecil Beaton and Richard Avedon, for raising the medium up to the level of fine art. He also photographed Monroe many times after meeting her in 1953, taking up to 5,000 shots of her in 52 sittings.

Milton H. Greene,  The Rock Sitting (1953)
Photo: via Little Black Gallery

Kirkland was lucky enough to shoot Marilyn at the tender age of 27. When they met she reputedly asked him: “Come to bed with me,” and the resulting photo shoot is a risqué series of shots of Monroe in nothing but a sheet.

Douglas Kirkland,  In Bed With Marilyn (1961)
Photo: via Little Black Gallery

Kirkland, a seasoned movie photographer who has shot on the set of classics like Titanic, Moulin Rouge, Sound of Music, and The Great Gatsby, has referred to the shoot as appearing as though they “were in a beautiful dance.”

Milton H. Greene, Marilyn With a Pekingese (1955)
Photo: via Little Black Gallery

“The exhibition came about as this is a collaboration with Iconic Images (who represent Milton H. Greene and Douglas Kirkland),” the gallery told artnet News in an email. “We have worked with them before very successfully with three sell-out Terry O’Neill exhibitions.”

Douglas Kirkland,  In Bed With Marilyn (1961)
Photo: via Little Black Gallery

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” starring Marylin Monroe is on view at the Little Black Gallery from January 23 until February 27.