Marilyn’s 1st cover shot to be auctioned

RARE Monroe on mag cover A COPY of Marilyn Monroe’s first solo magazine cover is expected to fetch £500 at auction.

Monroe, then 19, was featured on the front of British pictorial Leader in April 1946 – despite still being an unknown model.

The photograph was taken by Romanian snapper Andre de Dienes, who worked with Monroe throughout her career.

It shows her kneeling in leaves, wearing a plain jumper and polka dot skirt.

Monroe, then known still as Norma Jean Baker, did not feature inside.

The magazine cover will be auctioned tomorrow from a private collection.

Mark Wilkinson, of auctioneers Sworders, said: “It’s a striking photo. They had no idea what she’d become later in her career.”