Last images of Marilyn Monroe by George Barris are highlighted in the centenary exhibition

Imagens from a beachside session captured Marilyn Monroe in a moment of apparent lightness. The wind ruffled her blonde hair as she wrapped her body in a green towel or comfortable sweater.

Essas photographs, recorded by George Barris in July 1962, became the last known portraits of the actress. Poucas Weeks later, on August 5, she was found dead in her home in Los Angeles, aged 36. The session took place on the beach at Santa Monica, at Califórnia, and is now part of the exhibition Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait, opened at National Portrait Gallery in Londres to celebrate the centenary of the artist’s birth, on June 1, 2026.

Retratos show Monroe in a relaxed atmosphere

Marilyn Monroe posed naturally in the sand. In one of the photos, she appears sitting with her hands clasped, sending an affectionate kiss to the camera. Outras images reveal the actress running near the waves or simply relaxing with a towel draped over her shoulders.

George Barris and Marilyn Monroe had known each other since 1954, during the filming of The Seven Year Itch. The two planned a book about her life. The 1962 session also included recordings in indoor environments, but the images on the beach stand out for their spontaneity.

• The actress wore sweaters and towels instead of glamorous outfits
• The beach setting evoked childhood memories for Monroe
• Fotografias conveyed a feeling of freedom and playfulness
• Original Sessão was intended for reporting in Cosmopolitan magazine

National Portrait Gallery curator Rosie Broadley highlights how these collaborations helped Monroe build her public image throughout her career. Ela actively worked with the photographers, selecting and editing the results.

Contexto from 1962 in the actress’s life

Marilyn Monroe faced personal and professional challenges that year. Seu’s third marriage, to playwright Arthur Miller, had ended. Ela dealt with health issues including chronic insomnia and addiction to prescription medications.

In June 1962, the 20th Century Fox released her from Something’s film Got to Give after repeated absences for health reasons. The actress responded with a public relations campaign that included photo shoots and interviews.

The session with George Barris was part of this strategy. Ele caught Monroe in moments that contrast with the image of vulnerability often associated with his final months. The photos convey joy and connection with the natural environment.

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Exposição celebrates legacy and collaborations

The Marilyn Monroe exhibition: Portrait brings together works by more than 20 photographers and artists. Nomes as Eve Arnold, Cecil Beaton, Andy Warhol and Pauline Boty appear alongside the six images from Santa Monica’s session.

The curators organized the journey chronologically, exploring how Monroe collaborated in the construction of his own image. Ela edited contacts, marked approvals and rejected options with hairpins, according to reports.

Georgia Atienza, co-curator, mentions that the photo shoots also served as a way of dealing with anxieties. The exhibition runs until September 6, 2026 at National Portrait Gallery.

Impacto from images after Monroe’s death

Santa Monica’s photographs were initially published in the British Daily Mirror and Town magazine after Marilyn Monroe’s death. Elas has inspired works of pop art, such as paintings by Pauline Boty and Richard Hamilton.

George Barris moved to Paris for a period after the incident. Anos later published the portraits in books, including one in partnership with Gloria Steinem. Ele has always championed the authenticity and playful spirit captured in those images.

Hoje, the photos gained yellow tones over time, which adds visual warmth according to the curators. Elas continues to be seen as a poignant record of the star’s last documented moments.

Detalhes technical and preservation

The original images include negatives and contacts held by George Barris’s estate. His daughter, Caroline Barris, provided outtakes for the exhibition, revealing even more spontaneous moments of Monroe running and interacting with the sea.

• Sessão occurred on July 13, 1962 on Will Rogers State Beach
• Mais of 250 photos were taken over several weeks
• Imagens in black and white predominate in the current selection
• Exposição includes contrasts between different career phases

Esses records remain important for understanding how Marilyn Monroe navigated between the public persona and his personal identity.