Unseen photos of Marilyn on show

Eve Arnold tried to show Marilyn Monroe's human characteristics

Eight previously unpublished photos of Marilyn Monroe are going on display at a gallery in Oxfordshire.

The black and white images were taken by photojournalist Eve Arnold, now 94, during her 10-year friendship with the Hollywood superstar.

The behind-the-scenes pictures, showing the "real Monroe", can be viewed at the Meller Gallery, Church Green, Witney.

Ms Arnold said Monroe liked her photographs because they were a "fresh approach" to presenting her.

The photojournalist worked informally with Ms Monroe to capture her in un-posed situations, which showed the complexity of her character.

"She trusted me and was a joy to photograph," Ms Arnold said.

The photographs going on display at the Meller Gallery include pictures of Ms Monroe relaxing at home, on a plane and in bed.

One image shows her on the set of "The Misfits" in 1960 looking in a mirror and learning her lines.

Lisa Bryan, gallery manager, said: "These [pictures] are her off set, they're in her personal time when she's downloading after work.

"You see her in a very relaxed, thoughtful sense, but still as with Marilyn, as always her beauty just shines through."