Blow Out (and about) // Marilyn Monroe’s having a moment. A British love affair, in fact

Ahhh, Marilyn Monroe. Mazza M. I have to say, I’ve always been more Team Audrey Hepburn when picking iconic screen siren sides, but you have to admit: there’s something about Mary(ilyn).

From her ‘mazing hourglass figure, though to that famous skirt-blowing-up scene in The Seven Year Itch, through to breathlessly singing happy birthday to the president, the world is still fascinated by Marilyn Monroe, some 50 years after her tragic death.

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s death, The National Portrait Gallery has curated an exhibition in honour of the blonde bombshell’s British affiliation.

What: Marilyn Monroe: A British Love Affair
When: Exhibition runs 29th September 2012 – 24th March 2013
Where: The National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE
Getting there: Nearest tube – Charing Cross

Chock-a-block with pics taken by renowned British photographers such as Baron, Cecil Beaton and Antony Beauchamp (e.g. Monroe in that itsy-witsy-teeny-weeny yellow bikini in 1951), there’s also rarely-seen magazine covers, vintage prints and press shots taken while the actress was filming The Prince and the Showgirl  in 1956.

Michelle Williams’ recent performance in My Week With Marilyn reignited interest in the film, and there’s loadsa London photos on display – like when Marilyn met the Queen, as taken by Life magazine photojournalist Larry Burrows.

Look out too for cinematographer Jack Cardiff’s dreamy images of Monroe, complete with wind machine effect AND Vaseline over the lens (note to self: must demand both these things for all photos taken of me going forward).

There’s plenty of time to get your Marilyn fix, as the exhibition runs until March next year – and the best bit? It’s totes FREE.