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Marilyn Monroe negative sells for over £4,000

An image from Marilyn Monroe's first professional photoshoot. Credit: Henry Aldridge and Sons/ PA

A negative from Marilyn Monroe's first professional photoshoot has sold at auction for £4,250.

The estimate had been between £5,000 and £8,000 but auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said he was "happy with the result".

The image dates back to when the blond bombshell was a 20-year-old factory worker who dreamed of being a model and was still known as Norma Jean Baker.

"It was an exceptionally unusual item and to be able to include the copyright added another dimension as we only usually sell the physical item....There is an enduring interest if you like the cult of celebrity and are interested in that era."

– Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge