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