The world of celebrity memorabilia is a fascinating one, and one man, Gustavo Egusquiza, has taken it to a whole new level. In a recent auction, Egusquiza made a surprising purchase: Diane Keaton's nail clippers. Yes, you read that right. The man who bought Diane Keaton’s nail clippers also owns Whoopi Goldberg’s teapot: ‘It will have her fingerprints on it’.
Egusquiza, a travel journalist and consultant from Bilbao, Spain, admits to being a little celebrity obsessed and is building up a collection of memorabilia that includes Whoopi Goldberg’s teapot and statuette from Larry King’s office. But what makes this purchase particularly intriguing is the intimate connection it provides to Keaton’s life.
In an interview with The Guardian, Egusquiza explained his reasoning behind the purchase. "I saw them, and I knew I wanted them," he says of Diane Keaton’s nail clippers. "It was something that she would have used every day, so it was a tiny piece of Diane’s life. It is objects like this that reveal the intimate parts of a person’s real life."
Egusquiza's collection is a testament to his unique perspective on celebrity memorabilia. While many might opt for the glamorous items, such as dresses or hats, Egusquiza seeks the more personal and everyday items. "I didn’t want the typical glamorous red carpet things," he says. "I wanted something more intimate, and I think this is the most intimate thing, it will have her fingerprints on it."
The auction, held by Bonhams in New York, exceeded expectations. The nail clippers, which came in a curated box with dozens of hair pins and safety pins, sold for $960 (£715) including buyer’s premium. Despite the high price, Egusquiza was determined to make the purchase.
"At the end of the day, it is an investment in the long run," he says. "I’ve liked her for a long time. She was so good at her craft, and I think you can see people through the screen and she was just such a likable person."
Egusquiza's favorite Keaton films are The Godfather and Annie Hall. However, he plans to keep the nail clippers in their box and display them in his office, rather than using them.
The collection also includes a white ceramic teapot from Goldberg, an Eagle of the Sioux from Larry King, and a signed Chris Levine portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Egusquiza's friends and family generally approve of his hobby, and he remains unbothered by any eccentricity.
What makes this story truly captivating is the way it challenges our perceptions of celebrity memorabilia. While some might view such purchases as trivial, Egusquiza's collection highlights the personal and emotional connections that can be forged through these seemingly mundane objects. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful pieces of a celebrity's life are the everyday items we might overlook.
