In June, an extensive collection belonging to the late actress, filmmaker, and style icon Diane Keaton, encompassing art, fashion, literature, and personal belongings, will be offered for sale. Bonhams, in collaboration with The Fine Art Group, is orchestrating four distinct auctions across New York and Los Angeles, titled “Diane Keaton: The Architecture of an Icon.” These sales aim to provide a comprehensive look into Keaton's diverse creative journey and her unique approach to collecting, featuring a wide array of American modern and contemporary art, interior décor, entertainment memorabilia, and carefully selected pieces from her renowned wardrobe.
The auction series is a testament to Keaton's profound influence on various cultural spheres. Beyond her celebrated acting career, which included iconic roles in films like Annie Hall (1977), Reds (1981), The Godfather trilogy, and Something’s Gotta Give (2003), Keaton was also recognized for her distinctive visual style, which permeated her work in fashion, publishing, and interior design. Her literary contributions, such as California Romantica (2007), The House that Pinterest Built (2017), and Fashion First (2024), played a significant role in shaping her public persona as an interior design connoisseur. She was also an astute collector, with a keen eye for American art, photography, and interiors.
The live auction in New York, set for June 8th, will feature approximately 50 lots, including several of Keaton’s signature wardrobe items. Among these are a Ralph Lauren polka-dot tie, a classic black bowler hat, a Gucci sequin suit and beret worn at the LACMA Gala, and a Ralph Lauren houndstooth two-piece suit and overcoat ensemble from the 2020 Academy Awards, which was also featured on the cover of Fashion First. A particularly noteworthy item is the original untitled screenplay for Annie Hall. The art collection includes significant pieces like Maynard Dixon’s Train on the Desert Arizona (1941), David Wojnarowicz’s Buffalos, and Ed Mell’s Light in the Valley (1992).
Adding to the main event, three online sales will further diversify the offerings. “The Diane Keaton Collection: Tailored & Timeless,” running from May 31st to June 9th, will showcase over 200 items of clothing, jewelry, hats, and accessories from designers like Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, and Comme des Garçons, all integral to Keaton's distinctive style. Highlights include a Ralph Lauren Purple Label evening tailcoat and pants, a polka-dot skirt and belt worn both in a film and at an awards ceremony, and a Paul Harnden striped linen coat featured in a 2019 magazine spread.
The other online auction, “The Diane Keaton Collection: At Home with Diane,” will take place from June 1st to June 10th in Los Angeles. This sale will present more than 150 pieces of furniture, interior decorations, and decorative arts from Keaton’s various residences. Items such as Monterey and industrial furniture from her living room and office, including stained-wood settees and planters, will illustrate the refined and architectural aesthetic she applied to her personal living spaces.
Anna Hicks, Bonhams’s U.S. head of private and iconic collections, emphasized that Keaton was more than just a collector; she was a meticulous editor. According to Hicks, each item—be it art, fashion, décor, or a personal memento—was selected with extraordinary precision and clarity, reflecting her inherent flair for composition, restraint, and profound meaning. Keaton’s sister, Dorrie Hall, echoed this sentiment, stating that the collection signifies not merely a lifetime of observation, but a lifetime of truly comprehending and appreciating beauty and significance.