Marilyn Monroe Exhibition

• All my life I've been enthralled by the world of the Seventh Art, as cinema is sometimes referred to. I spent my teens watching all the films I could and I remember that I used to take delight in looking at the stills of forthcoming releases displayed in the glass canopies of the picture houses.

• On Sundays I used to go to St. Anthony's Market (el Mercado de Sant Antoni), a famous collectors' market which sets up every weekend in Barcelona. There I used to engage in one of my favourite pastimes: buying and swapping cuttings and photographs from films and of artistes. That was how I met Luis de Val, my husband.

• Our shared fascination for everything to do with the film world is what brought us together, and it was to become a major part of our life as a couple. Hence we decided to put together the Maite Mínguez Ricart Collection which, so far, has amassed over 1,800 items related to the film world and its key figures.

• As we went in search of items for our collection, in Santa Monica (Los Angeles) we found a cheque of Marilyn Monroe's signed in the name of Marilyn Monroe Productions. I was particularly struck by the fact that a woman who had always been admired solely for her image as a sex symbol should have been able to set up her own production company, against all odds and obstacles given the nature of the times. From that moment onwards I began to delve for more information on this personality, who has become one of my favourites.

• At present the collection stands at over 200 items which belonged to the legendary actress: dresses and accessories, both her personal ones and ones from her films; her private album of treasured photographs; her personal diaries; some of the awards which she received, and many additional unique pieces. A detailed sketch of Marilyn's life, both public and private, which today we're proud to be able to put on display for visitors to this exhibition.

Maite Mínguez Ricart

• From 29th October to 9th December 2007
• From Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 21:00 hours
• In the Edificio Ensanche, Plaza del Ensanche (Ensanche Square) nº 11, Bilbao

Dresses

• 1.1957. Red silk dress. Marilyn wore it at her last photographic session with Milton Greene. Obtained at Christie’s auction house.
• 2. 50’s. Word-of-honour dress. It was one of Marilyn's favourites. Obtained through the film-industry collector John Barrymore.
• 3. 50’s. Cocktail dress. The label says: Talmack, John Moore. New York. Obtained through Christie’s auction house.
• 4. How to Marry a Millionaire 1953. Designed by William Travilla. On the label appears Marilyn's name along with that of 20th Century Fox. Obtained through Christie’s auction house.