A Stylish Gladys Pearl Baker, nee Monroe – Norma Jeane’s mother. She was a troubled woman and spent most of her life in institutions. (from the collection of Greg Schreiner)

C. Stanley Gifford was the man most believed to be Norma Jeane’s father. Marilyn tried on various occasions to visit him at his dairy farm in Hemet, but was turned away every time.
(from the collection of Eric Woodard)

A rare beach outing for Norman Jeane (left) with her mother, Gladys (behind). Despite being raised in foster homes, she did occasionally see and live with her mother, though a close bond was never formed. (unknown photographer)

Life at the Los Angeles Orphans Home was firm but fair. Here the children watch a flag being raised outside the building, during the time that Norma Jeane lived there.
(from the collection of George and Even Finch).

Norma Jeane, photographed just after she left the orphanage, aged about ten, during the time she lived in Barbara Court with her foster mother Grace Goddard.
(unknown photographer)

In September 1938, Norma Jeane moved into ‘Aunt’ Ana’s home at 11348 Nebraska Avenue, where this photo was taken. She began to make friends, among them Ana’s nephew, Max Ritchie, who took this photograph. (from the collection of April and Jim Dakis)

When she hit her teens, Norma Jeane’s figure started to fill out and she was noticed by boys and girls alike. (unknown photographer)

Mr and Mrs Dougherty, circa 1943, posing happily on the Island of Catalina, shortly before Jim left to fight for his country.
(from the collection of paul kanteman)

In 1945, photographer William Carroll was looking for a model to use in an advertising counter display. He hired Norma Jeane, seen here with a huge smile on her face. (William Carroll)

Bill Pursel in the late 1940s, round the time he and Norma Jeane were dating. The two met in 1946, while Norma Jeane was in Las Vegas obtaining her divorce from Jim Dougherty, and they were to remain close for the next four years.
(from the collection of Bill Pursel)

Norma Jeane leans against a car, perched jauntily on one leg. This photo was given as a gift to Bill Pursel from Norma Jeane, and he pinned it to the wall of his college dormitory.
(from the collection of Bill Pursel)

This snapshot was given to Bill Pursel by Norma Jeane early in their relationship. She was living at 4215 Rowland Street at the time, which was where this rare shot was taken. (from the collection of Bill Pursel)

Marilyn (centre) is photographed in a boat alongside an unknown model (left) and Annabelle Stanford (right). Annabelle modelled with Marilyn on several occasions and dated Dick Pursel, the brother of Marilyn’s boyfriend Bill. (unknown photographer)

Although her star was rising, Marilyn continued to live with Aunt Ana Lower. She is seen here outside what is believed to be Ana’s house on Nebraska Avenue. (unknown photographer)

An early 1950 publicity still, showing a relaxed, happy Marilyn. Her career was blossoming and despite emotional upheavals, for the most part she was enjoying her rise to stardom. (unknown photographer)

Marilyn arrives in Jasper by train, prior to filming ‘River of No Return’. She posed happily with some soldiers, and fan Sandy Robinson was there to record the event for posterity.
(Sandy Robinson)

Amid the paraphernalia of location shooting, Marilyn looks elegant whilst filming ‘Niagara’. When shooting was over and Marilyn left town, she also left behind two pairs of her new shoes plus a generous gratuity for her chambermaid, Blanch Maj. “We were all so excited and most impressed with the fact that we had Marilyn’s very own shoes in our family,” remembered Blanche’s niece Pat Brennan. (George Bailey)

Marilyn and Joe DiMaggio arrive in Japan for a working honeymoon. Marilyn was full of hope for a happy marriage, but it would be tumultuous from the start.
(from the collection of Tina Garland)

On tour in Korea. Although the photo shows a sunny day, it snowed for much of the time. Even so, Marilyn abandoned her thick coat for a low-cut beaded evening gown.
(Don Obermeyer)

Marilyn and Joe DiMaggio tried to settle into a normal life together, but the balance between a private and public life caused strain in the marriage. Marilyn was always happy to be photographed, while Joe found it intrusive and unnecessary. (unknown photographer)

Marilyn gets ready to depart England, seen here with her husband Arthur Miller, following behind. The experience had not been a particularly positive one. “It was raining all the time,” she later said, “Or maybe that was just me.” (Horace Ward)

Marilyn and the Oliviers – Vivien Leigh in fur coat, gloves and pearls, Laurence Olivier next to her, talking to Marilyn. They smiled on, but the press showed scant regard, aside from a young Alan Whicker, in trademark glasses with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, seen busy taking notes. (Horace Ward)

Marilyn with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. In 1961 Marilyn became something of a mascot for the infamous ‘Rat Pack’, visiting them in Las Vegas and hanging out at their homes. The friendship between Marilyn and Sinatra had cooled by 1962, but she remained close to Dean Martin. After she was fired from ‘Something’s Got to Give’, co-star Martin refused to work with any other actress and immediately walked off set. (unknown photographer)

Marilyn ‘off duty’; she would often go out wearing old clothes, no make-up and with her hair un-styled. It was a disguise that often worked, although the evidence of these photographs indicates that she was occasionally still recognized. (unknown photographer)

12305 Fifth Helena Drive. This was Marilyn Monroe’s last home, and also where she passed away on the night of the 4/5 August 1962. The tile beside her front door read ‘Cursum Perficio’, which translated means ‘I’ve finished my journey’. (Eric Woodard)

The wall crypt where Marilyn Monroe now lies. Every year thousands of fans visit the site, and often leave mementos, flowers and notes.
(Eric Woodard)