An upcoming series of sales by Bonhams will highlight the extensive personal collection of the celebrated actress Diane Keaton. Known for her distinctive sense of style and curatorial eye, Keaton's cherished possessions, ranging from artistic creations to fashion pieces and other unique items, will be available to collectors. The main event, dubbed "Diane Keaton: The Architecture of an Icon," is scheduled for June 8 at Bonhams' New York City flagship, complemented by a trio of online auctions.
These curated sales offer a rare glimpse into Keaton's world, presenting a variety of objects that reflect her unique aesthetic and life experiences. The physical exhibition of these lots will commence in Los Angeles on May 5, followed by a display in New York starting May 29. The online auctions, collectively known as "The Diane Keaton Collection," are further categorized into themes such as "Tailored & Timeless," focusing on her sartorial selections; "At Home with Diane," featuring decorative and personal items; and "Chapters of an Edited Life," which promises a diverse array of memorabilia.
Anna Hicks, Head of Private & Iconic Collections at Bonhams US, emphasized Keaton's role not merely as a collector but as a meticulous editor. Hicks noted that each piece in the collection, whether art, apparel, home decor, or a personal artifact, was chosen with remarkable precision and clarity. This selective process, according to Hicks, demonstrates Keaton's innate talent for composition, restraint, and imparting meaning to her acquisitions.
Keaton's sister, Dorrie Hall, echoed this sentiment, praising Diane's exceptional ability to navigate various creative fields while maintaining a consistent and unmistakable perspective. The auction will showcase several notable items, including an artwork created by Keaton herself, "Face Lift-Off," alongside three photobooth photographs spanning the 1970s to 1990s, offering intimate glimpses into her past.
Among the other intriguing lots are a ladder adorned with an iconic black top hat and various decorations, a selection of thirty-nine white coffee table books, and a classical black bowler hat. Fans of her filmography might be interested in a pair of Oliver Peoples frameless hexagonal bifocals and a script from the acclaimed movie "Annie Hall." Fashion enthusiasts will find pieces such as a Thom Browne seersucker cotton tall bowler hat with a red, white, and blue striped ribbon and matching tie, a Ralph Lauren polka dot tie, a Bottega Veneta leopard print coat, and a Ralph Lauren houndstooth two-piece suit and overcoat ensemble.
This comprehensive auction provides an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a piece of cinematic and cultural history, reflecting the sophisticated taste and iconic persona of Diane Keaton. The sale underscores her enduring influence on fashion, art, and the broader cultural landscape, making these items more than just possessions, but tangible fragments of an extraordinary life.