Marilyn as you've never seen her before

Rare candid images of the actress reading a newspaper, napping and enjoying a glass of wine go on display

Stunning rare photographs of Marilyn Monroe relaxing and enjoying a glass of wine have gone on display at a London gallery.

The selection of candid photo- graphs of Marilyn, some which have never been seen before, were taken by young assignment photographer Ed Feingersh in 1955.

Feingersh was commissioned to document a week in the life of the actress at a pivotal moment in her career - when she was attempting to move away from the airhead actress image.

They were taken as she went about her daily routine during a week in March 1955 in New York City.

Marilyn was preparing for two public appearances that week - the opening night of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Morosco Theatre and a charity event that she was part of in Madison Square Gardens, at which she appeared on a pink elephant.

Marilyn's short but stellar life - she died in 1962 at the age of 36 - saw her make 29 films, pose for countless photographers and even sing on stage for the US President.

But in these surprisingly intimate black and white shots, a far cry from her usual glamorous shots, Marilyn appears to be totally relaxed and at ease.

In one, she enjoys a glass of wine, in another she reads the newspaper, and in another she mischievously peeps at the camera as she attempts to blend in at New York's subway.

The photos are on display from February 15 to March 30.

(© Daily Mail, London)