Iconic Pop Culture Memorabilia, Including Marilyn Monroe’s Blouse and Elton John’s Shoes, Set for Auction

A collection of “glam” pop culture artifacts, among them a blouse owned by actress Marilyn Monroe, is slated for auction. Additional items feature shoes previously worn by Elton John, a guitar bearing Paul McCartney’s signature, and an authentic poster for the punk group the Sex Pistols. John Rolfe Auctions, located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, announced that the Art and Anarchy auction, comprising 1,116 lots, represents an endeavor they have aspired to undertake “forever.” According to Director John Rolfe, the location where Ms Monroe’s blouse was acquired was “like Madame Tussauds on acid.” The collection further encompasses a watch that belonged to the infamous criminal Ronnie Kray, alongside a riot shield crafted by Bristol artist Banksy for the Dismaland exhibition. A couple residing in Wiltshire, in conjunction with Rodda Thomas, the landlord of the Crown and Sceptre in Stroud, assembled this collection. Mr. Rolfe stated, “It all started as all good things do in the pub in the Crown and Sceptre – a Stroud institution.” He continued, “Rodda was moving from the pub and he invited me upstairs, I was blown away by all The Clash and Sex Pistols records.” Mr. Rolfe further remarked, “He had amassed a really good collection of punk related items, he had original Sex Pistols posters, the original Anarchy In The UK one, it was a very limited release. “To have that still alive – very few were made.”” Subsequently, he received a call from a couple in Wiltshire possessing “a massive collection of mannequins dressed in pop icon outfits,” which had been acquired from a museum clear-out. “It was like Madame Tussauds on acid,” he commented. He added, “They had a blouse that was the property of Marilyn Monroe and all the paperwork to go with it.” “I’ve wanted to do a sale like this forever but not been brave enough,” Mr Rolfe concluded.