Monroe's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes dress on display at Christie's

The esteemed memorabilia collection of David Gainsborough Roberts will go on display at Christie's this month, with Marilyn Monroe's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes dress expected to draw crowds to the South Kensington, London showroom.


David Gainsborough Roberts has the world's largest collection of Marilyn Monroe dresses



The exhibition, titled Famous and Infamous, will display some of the finest memorabilia from icons of film, music, royalty and crime. A free event, it is open to the public until September 2.

Gainsborough Roberts is a former investment banker, whose collection contains some of the finest entertainment memorabilia. He is well-known for displaying his collectibles at museums across the world.

The red sequin gown is undoubtedly the highlight of the collection, with Gainsborough Roberts commenting: "In 1989 I bought a Marilyn Monroe film costume from Christie's and my life changed completely."

"Although I have always been a collector of antiques since before I could read or write, that day in 1989 brought out the serious collector in me. Although I have put on dozens of exhibitions worldwide, this is my first one with Christie's. I hope all you fellow collectors enjoy this small selection of highlights from my collection."

The collection also includes Lawrence of Arabia's ivory silk headdress and agal (headband), which is one of two that he gifted to his close friend Arthur Russell's mother to "cut up and make into dresses for herself".

A slice of Queen Victoria's wedding cake in a presentation box has remarkably survived since 1840 and will provide another unusual highlight to the display.

Read Paul Fraser Collectibles' interview with Gainsborough Roberts to see what else is hiding in his collection.


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