Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton will be remembered for her charisma in a series of iconic roles, from her collaborations with Woody Allen to her career-defining role in The Godfather trilogy and her most spontaneous performance in Annie HallFor which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. She is also remembered as a two-time New York Times bestselling author of books, including titles California Romantica (2007) and The House That Pinterest Built (2017). Her last book, Fashion first (2024), serves as a testament to the creative vision that made her one of the most iconic and imitated figures of her time. Throughout her career, Keaton developed an image of intellectual eccentricity and independence, shaping her own narrative not only as a celebrity but also as an aesthetic icon, with a keen eye that moved between cinema, architecture and design and left a lasting mark on contemporary culture.
In June, Bonhams will offer a selection of Keaton’s multidisciplinary collection – spanning fine art, interiors, signature fashion and personal objects – across four sales in New York and Los Angeles, in partnership with The Fine Art Group. The selection reveals how Keaton effectively edited her life, guided by a distinct personal taste that shaped her acquisitions in a reflection of both her autobiography and her vision. The first (and only) live auction will be held at Bonhams’ new US flagship store on 57th Street in New York on June 8. Diane Keaton Collection: Icon Architecturehas 50 collections that range from the clothing that defined her public image to the personal objects and artworks that shaped her more intimate environments.
Among the highlights is the original untitled text of Annie Hall (1977) Estimated at $2000-3000. Fashion plays a major role in the selection, including a two-piece Ralph Lauren plaid suit and coat, which was worn to the 2020 Academy Awards and featured on the film’s cover. Fashion first (Estimate: $2,000-3,000) and a Gucci sequin suit and hat worn at the LACMA Gala (Estimate: $2,000-3,000).
Particularly revealing is her curio cabinet from her personal office, filled with objects and ephemera that informed her visual thinking, and which was offered at a high estimate of $7,000. It is presented alongside a selection of “The Wall” – a large-scale bulletin board in her home in Sullivan Canyon, used to arrange photographs, small collages and collages (estimate: $8,000-12,000).
Keaton also collected art, and her most notable works include works by artists active during her lifetime, including those of David Wojnarowicz. Buffalo (High estimate: $35,000), Maynard DixonTrain in the Arizona desert (High estimate: $40,000) and Ed Mill Light in the valley (High estimate: $15,000). She also maintained her own artistic practice throughout her life, shown here in two collages from the 1970s (est. $600-800). Additional collages and photos of Keaton will appear at other sales, with estimates ranging from $300 to $700.
“Bonhams is honored to present its wonderful collection in our new US flagship store on 57th Street, and we are committed to ensuring Keaton’s legacy – her creativity, intelligence and eye for design – is celebrated and preserved,” Lily Chan, Bonhams US managing director, said in a statement.
Prior to the live sale, Bonhams will open the online Diane Keaton Collection: Designed & Timeless sale (from May 31 to June 9), focusing on Keaton’s widely known wardrobe. The auction includes more than 200 items of clothing, jewelry, hats and accessories, and brings together designers closely associated with her signature style – including Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne and Comme des Garçons – in a tightly edited selection that reflects her lasting influence on fashion. Highlights include a black Ralph Lauren Purple Label evening coat and pants worn in the Ralph Lauren Spring 2023 fashion show at the Huntington Museum and Gardens (estimate: $1,500-2,000); Polka dot skirt and belt worn on screen And that’s how it goes at the 24th Annual ICP Infiniti Awards in New York (estimate: US$300-500); and a Paul Harnden button-down striped linen coat worn in a December 2019 InStyle feature (estimate: $400-600).
The next two online auctions will take place June 1-10. The Diane Keaton Collection: At Home with Diane will include more than 150 pieces of furniture and decorative objects from Keaton’s residences, including her home in Sullivan Canyon. Highlights include a pair of Monterey iron-studded stained wood sofas (estimate: $1,200-1,800); Monterey iron and stained wood rope-mounted sofa with hinged side table and striped pillows (est. $1,000-1,500); Metal-mounted faux wood workbench (estimate: $1,200-1,800); A metal ladder topped with a black hat and decorative elements (estimate: $1,000-1,500). A selection of California Hillside pottery (estimate: $800-4,000) and illustrated Diné (Navajo) weavings (estimate: $400-2,000), along with an assortment of kitchen and office items, complete the sale. The Diane Keaton Collection: Chapters from the Life of an Editor will present additional works from Keaton’s personal archive, including photographs, collages, and a selection of books from her library, grouped into thematic collections with estimates ranging from $800 to $2,000.
As the market for film memorabilia continues to expand, the main attraction will be the collection of entertainment-related ephemera, including handwritten letters from fellow actors and directors as well as scripts and production documents from films such as Baby Boom (1987), Father of the bride (1991) and The Godfather Trilogy, with estimates ranging from $200 to $2,000. Two identical exhibitions, one opening in Los Angeles on May 5 and the other in New York on May 29, will present selections from Keaton’s eclectic collection.