The images form part of a series of eight intimate portraits entitled Marilyn, taken by America photo-journalist Eve Arnold, that went on display in galleries nationwide on Saturday.

Only 495 prints of the pictures will go on sale, with prices starting at £350.

Arnold, still going strong at 98, said: 'She was going places but she hadn't arrived.

Some like it hot: A sexier Marilyn as she is better known, pictured in 1955 in New York, in a leopard print dress

At ease: A relaxed and happy Marilyn, dressed down in denim, reads the script on set of her last completed film