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Story by Jack Foley
IF
IT'S true that gentlemen prefer blondes, or indeed, that blondes have more
fun, then you should rush down to the Getty Images Gallery in London
to take in the collection of blondes which have been chosen especially to
demonstrate the sexual allure of Blondes around the world.
Held to coincide with the National Portrait Gallery's collection of the 20
best British blondes, the Getty event (which takes place from March 6 to April
26) boasts no less than 60 images, including the likes of Grace Kelly (pictured),
Marilyn Monroe, Jerry Hall and Madonna.
And so that women don't feel left out in the viewing stakes, a token collection
of men have also been included, such as Paul Newman in a dinner suit, and
Michael Caine, exuding the charm that first brought him to prominence in Alfie.
But it is the blonde bombshells of the past few years which really command
attention, featuring some of the icons of yesteryear as well as the leading
performers of the current generation.
It makes for quite enchanting viewing, evoking memories of coming-of-age boyhood
fantasies, while forcing the viewer to try and confront what it is about the
hair colour that has proved so alluring down the years.
Why is it, for example, that blondes are remembered more affectionately in
pop culture than brunettes? I mean, for every Audrey Hepburn there are two
or three Monroes or Turners (think Lana, or more recently, Katherine, for
example).
While the enduring image of the blonde in a swimsuit is something which producers,
even today, strive to repeat - Ursual Andress in that bikini remains one of
the most enduring images of cinema culture, while the Baywatch effect helped
to propel Pamela Anderson into an unjustified phenomenon (albeit with fake
enhancements).
There is no denying that blondes command a special place in the male psyche;
even though, somewhat harshly, blondes can be perceived as less intelligent
than their female counterparts (I know several blonde women who readily confess
to having had a 'blonde' moment).
Whatever the reason, though, there is no denying the fun to be had at the
exhibition, which has been well-chosen to reflect some of the most popular
images of recent years. So go and enjoy yourself in a blonde heaven...
Blondes, Getty Images Gallery, 3 Jubilee Place, SW3 3TD. Tel: 020 7376 4525.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat noon-6pm. Exhibition ends April 26
RELATED STORIES: Click here for the British Blondes exhibition at the NPG...
RELATED LINKS: Click here
for a website devoted to Grace Kelly...
Click here for the official
Madonna website...
Click here for
the Marilyn Monroe website...
Click here
for the Lana Turner website...