Intimate with Monroe, Clift and Newman

"If a photographer cares about the people before the lens, much is given" - Eve Arnold's words were borne out time and time again by her work. Her pictures of Marilyn Monroe were some of the loveliest and most intimate ever taken, undoubtedly because Monroe trusted Arnold so implicitly. So too did Paul Newman, Malcolm X and the cast of the Misfits: Gable, Monroe and Clift, all emotionally and physically battered and facing their final curtain-call. Eve Arnold began taking pictures in 1946; by 1951 she had become the first female photographer to join Magnum Photos. Half a century on, her staying power is not in doubt.

Holly Kyte

All images courtesy of Magnum Archive
Eve Arnold, online exhibition until November 2, running alongside a major exhibition 'In China' at Asia House, London W1, Oct 30 - Jan 12. asiahouse.org