$2,880
A two page letter (c. 1954) from Gladys Baker to Marilyn Monroe (then Norma Dougherty), composed in pencil on tissue paper while institutionalized at the Rockhaven Sanitarium in Verdugo, California. In the letter, Marilyn’s mother Gladys requests to be among people of her religion – Christian Science. In part reading (sic): “It is quite some time since I wrote you but I’ve not changed in that it is doing no one any good for me to be in here nor is it causing me to grow in Christian Science. As I told you before all Dr.’s are Sycratrists and they heal just the opposite the way they do in Christian Science. I am always bumping up against their manipulation of my mind which I know is not Christian Science…would you please remove me to a Christian Science Institution…” After a myriad of mental breakdowns, Gladys was committed to Rockhaven where she remained for nearly 15 years. Together with original transmittal envelope dated February 2, 1954. Also present is a black and white photograph of Gladys leaning against a car, gazing up from the camera’s lens. Letter: 6 by 12 inches. Photograph: 5 by 7 inches. PROVENANCE: From the collection of Eleanor Goddard. Categories: Marilyn Monroe
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2006-12-16
