Photographs by Bruno Bernard to be Exhibited in London

Marilyn: Intimate Exposures
Photographs by Bruno Bernard
1st August – 9th September 2012

Proud Chelsea is pleased to announce the launch of an exclusive exhibition from world-famous glamour photographer, Bruno Bernard: professionally know as the legendary “Bernard of Hollywood”. Bruno photographed Hollywood’s biggest and brightest stars, but is best known for “discovering” sex-symbol Marilyn Monroe. Based on the book Marilyn: Intimate Exposures by Susan Bernard – a celebrity in her own right – this collection documents the transformation of fresh-faced and bright-eyed Norma Jean, into glamorous Marilyn Monroe with the “Pillow Case White” hair.

Monroe first met Bruno Bernard in 1946 as Bernard was leaving a dentist appointment: Bernard invited the future actress for a “strictly professional” photo shoot and the rest is photographic and cinematic history. First a pin-up model, the 50s beauty later became a world-famous actress staring in films such as “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, “Some Like It Hot” and “How To Marry A Millionaire”. The star would later comment: “Remember, Bernie, you started it all.”

This exhibition boasts early pin-up photographs of Marilyn, candid snaps from glamorous Hollywood parties and rare behind the scenes shots from some of the bombshell’s most famous motion pictures. A captivating headshot of Norma Jean in a beret and sweater; a giggling Monroe on the set of “The Seven Year Itch”; a tearful star escaping a throng of journalists following her divorce from Joe DiMaggio: Marilyn: Intimate Exposures is Bruno’s portrait of a luminous yet fragile woman whose Cinderella story captivated and wooed the world.

50 years since the sad passing of Marilyn Monroe, Proud Chelsea celebrates the photographic career of Bruno Bernard and his intimate relationship with the blonde every gentleman preferred. Author Susan Bernard will be launching this exclusive collection with a reading and book signing on the 31st July at Proud Chelsea.

Dates: 1st August – 9th September 2012
Launch: Tuesday 31th July 2012
Times: Monday to Sunday: 10am till 7pm
Entry: Free
Address: 161 King’s Road London, SW3 5XP
www.proud.co.uk

Bruno Bernard
Bruno Bernard, professionally known as Bernard of Hollywood, was a renowned glamour photographer of Hollywood’s golden era. He has been called “The King of Hollywood glamour”, “The Vargas of Photography” and – most memorably – the “discoverer” of Marilyn Monroe.
Bruno Bernard was born Bruno Bernard Sommerfeld in Berlin, 1912. He first became interested in photography at the age of 11, when his parents gave him his first Rolleiflex camera. As a young man he studied for a Ph.D. in criminal psychology at Kiel University. However, his participation in Jewish youth organizations landed him on the Gestapo’s blacklist; causing Bruno to immigrate to the United States in 1937. His first studio there, opened in 1942 on the Sunset strip, has become a famous Hollywood landmark.

Bruno Bernard was the first still photographer to be honoured by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in 1984 with an honorary exhibition. He has photographed Hollywood luminaries such as Clark Gable, Ginger Rogers, John Wayne, Rita Hayworth, Elvis Presley, Cary Grant, Sophia Loren, Anita Ekberg and Elizabeth Taylor.

Bruno Bernard died in 1987 at the age of 75. He is survived by his daughter Susan Bernard and grandson, writer and actor, Joshua Miller.