Early Marilyn Monroe photograph to auction

One of the first professional photographs of Marilyn Monroe is to cross the block at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, UK on February 14.

Joseph Jasgur (1919-2009), who also photographed the 19-year-old aspiring star for her portfolio, took the snap in 1946.

Norma Jean photo
The photograph was taken in Hollywood

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge explained to the Western Daily Press: "It's a unique negative and print of Norma Jeane, part of some informal test shots that preceded the formal shoot.

 "The image is a true genesis, as it is one of the first professional images ever taken of Marilyn. The story behind it is that she had aspirations of becoming a model, so she joined Hollywood's Blue Book Model Agency, and on March 6, 1946, Joseph Jasgur received a call from Emmeline Snively, the head of Blue Book.

"Snively asked Jasgur to take a few test shots of an aspiring young model and he first photographed her on a small street in West Hollywood, behind Beverly Boulevard.

"This photo offers a unique glimpse of the young girl who was to become the global phenomenon that was Marilyn Monroe."

While there is no estimate available at present, Henry Aldridge & Son sold a print from Monroe's first photo shoot for �4,250 ($6,462) last year. 

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about movie memorabilia auctions.

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