Outside the gates of Parkside House (waiting for Marilyn Monroe)

by Larry Burrows
bromide fibre print, 1956
Given by Barbara Baker Burrows and Russell Burrows, 2012
Photographs Collection
NPG x137342

Sitterback to top

Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), Actress. Sitter in 49 portraits.

Artistback to top

Larry Burrows (1926-1971), Photojournalist for Life magazine. Artist or producer of 5 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

Owing to the difficulties of filming and Monroe's stardom Olivier announced a closed set, denying press access to Pinewood and the Millers' residence, Parkside House near Englefield Green, Surrey. Monroe resented the strict security, overseen by PC Hunt, who kept a diary of her movements for Olivier. Colin Clark wrote, 'I just can't seem to see enough of her, and perhaps this is because I cannot really see her at all. It is a feeling one could easily confuse with love. No wonder she has so many fans, and has to be careful who she meets. I suppose this is why she spends most of her time shut up in her house, and why she finds it hard to turn up at the studio at all, let alone on time.'

Placesback to top

Place made and portrayed: United Kingdom: England, Surrey (Parkside House near Englefield Green, Surrey)

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1956back to top

Current affairs

The first supermarket opens in Britain. Inspired by the new innovation in America, Jack Cohen opened his first Tesco supermarket in Essex.
The First Clean Air Act is passed in response to the 'Pea Soup' smog over London.

Art and science

Pop Art is seen for the first time in the This is Tomorrow exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery. The exhibition included Richard Hamilton's iconic collage: What is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?
John Osborne's play Look Back in Anger opens at the Royal Court Theatre, introducing the phrase 'Angry young man' to describe the new movement of gritty, post-war realism in literature.

International

The Suez Crisis rocked Eden's premiership and marked the decline of British world power and influence in favour of America. In 1956 President Nasser of Egypt nationalised the Suez canal. Although Britain and France, who had owned the canal since the 19th century, invaded Egypt, they were soon persuaded to withdraw by US President Eisenhower who disapproved of the occupation.

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