Some like it cool
Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn both hit Hollywood in the Fifties and became two of the industry's biggest screen stars. In Roman Holiday, Breakfast At Tiffany's and My Fair Lady, Hepburn's appeal was her serene gamine elegance while in Some Like It Hot and The Seven Year Itch, Monroe played the pouting voluptuous blonde. Both became ideals of female beauty and both have photo shows opening this week dedicated to their image.
Audrey: An Intimate Collection brings together for the first time over 180 prints by Hollywood film photographer Bob Willoughby. Hepburn became Willoughby's favourite subject and among his images are film stills and behind-the-scenes shots from movies, as well as more private moments with husband Mel Ferrer and young son.
Timeless Beauty shows 80 prints of Monroe by seven photographers, including nudes from Tom Kelley's 1949 Red Velvet shoot that later appeared in the debut issue of Playboy, Milton Greene's glamorous portraits and Bert Stern's images taken six weeks before Monroe's death, her drooping eyelids appearing more alcohol-induced and sad than seductive. Even sadder are George Barris's final photos taken a month later showing her windswept on a beach, relaxed and seemingly happier than ever (left).
Timeless Beauty, Tue 12-Sat 16 Feb, Gallery 27, 27 Cork Street, W1 (020-7734 7595).
Audrey: An Intimate Collection, Fri 8 Feb-Sun 7 Apr, Proud Camden Moss, 10 Greenland Street, NW1 (020-7482 3867).
Catching Audrey to perfection
