When they met at a party in the early 1950s, Marilyn Monroe remarked to photographer Eve Arnold that she’d seen the photographer’s images of Marlene Dietrich. ‘If you could do that well with Marlene,’ Monroe said, ‘can you imagine what you could do with me?’. Through Arnold’s lens, Monroe’s multifaceted persona was preserved in images that continue to captivate the world. Arnold, an undeniable talent of 20th-century photography, captured Monroe’s complexity with elegance, authenticity, and a rare sensitivity.

This November, The Iconic Images Gallery Piccadilly presents Eve Arnold: An Appreciation, an exhibition celebrating Arnold’s prolific career. Alongside this tribute, a newly revised edition of Marilyn Monroe by Eve Arnold, originally published in 1987, is being released. This unique book, a collaboration between Iconic Images, ACC Art Books, and the Eve Arnold Estate, offers over 100 photographs of Monroe—some newly discovered and restored—unveiling an intimate and layered portrait of one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic icons.

In the book, Eve Arnold’s own words bring Monroe’s story to life, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into their close working relationship. More than a celebrity photographer, Arnold was a storyteller, and her work with Monroe reflects a powerful narrative of two women excelling in a male-dominated world. This revised edition also includes new contributions: a foreword by Anjelica Huston and an introduction by Michael Arnold, Eve’s grandson and a trustee of her estate, who offers fresh insights into his grandmother’s legacy.

As Magnum Photos’ first full-time female photographer, Eve Arnold paved the way for generations to come. Her work spans the iconic and the everyday, from Monroe to Malcolm X, Queen Elizabeth II, and even the vibrant streets of 1950s Harlem. Arnold’s photographs of the people and landscapes of 1970s China capture her deep empathy and understanding of human resilience. These powerful portraits will be on display at the exhibition, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the timeless artistry of a true pioneer.

Michael Arnold expressed his enthusiasm for this exhibition: “I’m thrilled to launch this exhibition alongside the re-release of Eve’s groundbreaking book on Marilyn Monroe. This collection offers a new perspective on Monroe, capturing her essence and vulnerability through Eve’s discerning eye. While the book was Eve’s tribute to Monroe, this exhibition celebrates Eve’s own incredible career.”

Running from November 7th to the 20th at The Iconic Images Gallery Piccadilly, Eve Arnold: An Appreciation is open to the public from 11am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Entry is free, and all featured fine art and books will be available for purchase.

To celebrate this newly reissued Marilyn Monroe book and the forthcoming exhibition, we’re giving away a copy of the book: Sign up here before 29th November to win! 

Adding depth to the exhibition, Eve Arnold: Life, Work and Legacy—an evening of discussion and Q&A with Michael Arnold—will take place on Saturday, November 9th, at 5pm. In conversation with Iconic Images Creative Director Carrie Kania, Michael will share his experience in managing an estate of profound social, cultural, and artistic value, covering topics from curation to the production of fine-art prints and publishing. Tickets for the event are £5, redeemable against any purchase made at the gallery that evening, including the newly released Marilyn Monroe book.

Whether through the vibrant energy of Harlem’s streets or the quiet intensity of Monroe’s gaze, Arnold’s work endures as a testament to her extraordinary eye and dedication. This exhibition and book offer a unique chance to connect with two icons—one in front of the camera, the other behind—each forever imprinted on the world of photography and art.