Julie Hamill explores Marilyn Monroe’s lasting legacy at a London exhibition, highlighting her role in advancing women’s rights and celebrating her intellect and courage beyond her beauty. The exhibition showcases personal artefacts, including iconic fashion pieces, and reveals Monroe as a forward-thinking figure. It has been extended to 2025 to honour her legacy.
Julie Hamill reflects on Marilyn Monroe’s impact on women through her recent visit to a new exhibition in London. The exhibition, showcasing 250 personal items, aims to reveal Monroe’s life beyond her beauty, highlighting her courage and contributions to women’s liberation. Hamill recalls fond memories of reading about Monroe and how her mother encouraged her to appreciate Monroe’s legacy beyond her looks.
Travelling to The Arches, Hamill enjoys the scenic views of London’s South Bank. She shares a brief encounter with a woman on the tube, emphasising the everyday connections one can forge in the city. After arriving at the venue, she finds numerous visual cues guiding her to Marilyn’s exhibition, which promises an immersive experience.
At the exhibition, attendees discover Monroe as an exceptionally intelligent woman, revealing her literary interests and high IQ despite being often portrayed in a superficial manner. Personal anecdotes feature her friendships with notable figures like Edith Sitwell and her memorable meeting with Queen Elizabeth, showcasing her unique personality.
The display features iconic wardrobe pieces, including the famous dress she wore in her iconic birthday serenade to President Kennedy. The exhibition underscores Monroe’s avant-garde views on gender and race, illustrating her influential role in challenging social norms in the 1950s. She boldly promoted racial equality by supporting Ella Fitzgerald during an era rife with discrimination.
Exiting the exhibition, Hamill witnesses how women engage with Monroe’s legacy, expressing gratitude for her pioneering spirit. The exhibition, originally set to run for a shorter period, has now been extended to June 2025, marking what would be Monroe’s 99th birthday. This showcases the lasting impact of Monroe on current and future generations and her place in history as a symbol of women’s empowerment.
Marilyn Monroe’s influence extends beyond Hollywood glamor, as she played a pivotal role in challenging societal norms around gender and race. The exhibition reveals her remarkable intellect, personal relationships, and commitment to equality, portraying her as a trailblazer for women. Her legacy continues to resonate, inspiring gratitude and admiration among women today, reinforcing her status as an icon of empowerment.
Original Source: www.onlondon.co.uk