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Rare pictures of Audrey Hepburn unearthed

Rare photos of Audrey Hepburn have gone on show at London's National Portrait Gallery as part of a photography exhibition celebrating her life.

She was one of the most famous actresses and now rare pictures of Audrey Hepburn have gone on show at London’s National Portrait Gallery as part of a photography exhibition celebrating her life.

The new show titled: Audrey Hepburn, Portraits of an Icon, feature a collection of images from the actress’ family photo album. The images come from the personal albums of her sons – Sean Hepburn Ferrer and Luca– Hepburn’s son from her second marriage to the Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti. They highlight the innocent life of the actress before she was thrust into the spotlight and became a global icon.

Among the personal photographs of Audrey as a young ballerina and fashion model, the exhibition will also have portraits by Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton, Angus McBean, Irving Penn and Norman Parkinson on show. The images feature behind-the-scenes shots of films and the actress in her dressing room.

Born in 1929, Audrey spent her childhood between Belgium, England and the Netherlands.

After moving to London in the late ’40s, she began working as chorus girl in popular musicals.

She quickly rose to fame in William Wyler’s 1953 film, Roman Holiday, which she won an Academy Award for. Her role as Princess Ann alongside popular actor Gregory Peck, catapulted Audrey to new heights in the entertainment industry and the talented actress went on to star in films, including Sabrina, The Nun’s Story, My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which secured her position among Hollywood royalty.

The exhibition runs from July until October 2015 at the National Portrait Gallery, London.

Audrey Hepburn’s granddaughter Emma Ferrer lands fashion cover

One of the pictures that is in the exhibition. Photo: Norman Parkinson / National Portrait Gallery

An icon for both her individual style and her classic beauty, Audrey was well-known for her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Audrey Hepburn won an Oscar for her role in Roman Holiday.

Audrey played Princess Ann in William Wyler’s film ‘Roman Holiday’.

Audrey and Mel Ferrer were married for 14 years.

Audrey poses for a promotional shot for the film, ‘Sabrina’.

Audrey in 1991.

Audrey was appointed Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF and dedicated much of her life to helping others.

The actress in 1990.

A portrait of Audrey Hepburn during the height of her acting career.

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