Marilyn nets £2million for Jersey charities

Tuesday 22 November 2016

David Gainsborough-Roberts admits it is a "bittersweet" moment for him after his beloved collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia was sold for millions - all of which he's giving to charity.

He still doesn't know the actual amount his 69 lots made in Los Angeles over the weekend, but says the final sum will come to around £2m - money which will go to his favourite Jersey charities.

He said: "I've lived in Jersey for the last 50 years so the Island means so much to me, that's why I will be leaving the money to Jersey Heritage Trust and a number of other favourite charities of mine.

"It is a catastrophic period for me because I have given away all the things I loved about Marilyn, but now is the right time to do it. I'm 73, I'm not a spring chicken any more and it is important when I go that a lot of good charities get a bit of a boost.

"I'll admit it is bittersweet because the £2m or so will go to very good causes, but I have collected Marilyn all my adult life, so to see it go is a wrench. I've cried a few tears, but I've also got the money going to do something positive and worthwhile in Jersey. That's good to know.

"I'm going to celebrate with a glass of champagne and a little sleep, but at least from now on I'll be able to afford to go to my favourite places, The Smugglers' Inn, Murray's and the Jersey Museum for lunch!"

Mr Gainsborough-Roberts' brother was at the auction in California and is winging back to Jersey where he will give an accurate figure for how much David's 69 lots made.

"I've spoken to my brother on the phone and he says the auction went well. I've also spoken to the lady who sold the 'Happy Birthday Mr President' dress for nearly £4m. She told me she was hoping it would get about £8m. I said to her I'd be very happy with £4m thank you very much! She is a sweet lady and we have both been collecting Marilyn items for many years. I'm delighted for her and she was delighted for me."

Mr Gainsborough-Roberts said his love for all things Marilyn started when he became a professional actor. He said: "I got to know Ralph Roberts very well and we used to stay up and talk about her. Ralph was a very, very close friends of Marilyn's. In fact, he was the last person to see her alive. He told me what an incredible woman she was and you only have to see her on the screen to know that she had this amazing aura about her. She was a true one-off."