Remembering Milton H Greene on what would have been his 97th birthday. Although primarily known to Marilyn fans for their friendship and many photographic sessions, Milton was a prolific (and exceptional) photographer long before and after his association with Marilyn.
“All I did was believe in her. She was a marvelous, loving, wonderful person I don’t think many understood.”
Milton H. Greene speaking in 1982.
There’s a new FREE Milton H. Greene portrait exhibition called “Up Close with Marilyn” happening in London, United Kingdom this year between Friday 11th May – Saturday 24th June.
“Proud Galleries is pleased to present ‘Up Close with Marilyn: Portraits by Milton H. Greene’, an exhibition of rare photographs of Marilyn Monroe, captured by celebrated photographer Milton H. Greene. Milton photographed the versatile characters Marilyn performed for the camera, shooting the actress in 52 different settings resulting in an archive of over 5000 images. Projecting intimate vulnerability whilst commanding the attention of her audience, Marilyn’s ability to construct and control her public image reinforced her position as one of Hollywood’s most admired and publicised 1950s movie stars. The large-scale photographic prints included in this collection exhibit Marilyn in overwhelming detail, encapsulating the glamour, charisma and unique charm that contributed to her stratospheric success and enduring legacy. Marilyn Monroe is arguably the most photographed personality of the 1950s; famed for her intoxicating sexuality wrapped in an aura of almost childlike innocence. By the time she had filmed her first movie at the age of 21, Marilyn had already experimented with her now famous bleached hair, but it was not until she turned 30 that she legally changed her name from Norma Jean to Marilyn Monroe. Whilst she is remembered for a baby doll rendition of Happy Birthday and holding down her blowing white skirt in front of paparazzi, Marilyn was far from the ‘dumb blonde’ she performed. Through a contemporary lens, Marilyn has become a symbol of not only sex appeal, but empowerment and womanhood as she embraced the camera in a way that no celebrity had dared to do before. Milton’s poised and elegant depictions demonstrate Marilyn’s ability to create an entirely different character in front of the lens with just a simple glance, whether she is seductively posing in a negligee or hiding a coy smile with her hand. ‘Up Close with Marilyn: Portraits by Milton H. Greene’ allows the viewer to indulge in the fantasy of ‘Marilyn’ that she so effortlessly created for those who met her enthralling gaze.”
For dates and times of the exhibition, please head here: https://www.list.co.uk/event/21010490-up-close-with-marilyn-portraits-by-milton-h-greene/
