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It was supposed to be just another long weekend with the boyfriend. But after two days' intensive shopping in Paris, we decided to do something more civilised and check out the nearby Picasso museum, which boasts over 3,000 of the cubist master's works.
On arrival, we didn't notice the swish black car parked on the street outside. But in the small courtyard to the entrance of the museum we immediately knew something was up: a small crowd of onlookers was watching motorcycle-helmeted paparazzi hurriedly snapping away at someone going into the museum.
I assumed it was a French celebrity, but an Australian guy who heard us speaking in English approached us. "It's the Sex and the City woman, Carrie! Sarah Jessica Parker!"
Excited, I dashed to buy our tickets, enter the museum and catch up with Sarah. Wearing a short black jacket, what were clearly very expensive jeans, flip-flops and very little make-up, she looked amazing. I studied her as she studied one of the works, and then quietly followed her into the next room. She was taking in every painting in detail, and discussing aspects with the two men who accompanied her while her bodyguard looked on from the corner of the room.
In room four, I decided that maybe I should try to take in a couple of the paintings. I joined my boyfriend and as we were studying a particularly impressive piece, I asked him "When did Picasso die?"
"Sorry to interrupt," said someone next to us, "but I couldn't help overhearing - I think it was 1979." It was Sarah Jessica Parker! I tried not to look too shocked. She continued, "I worked it out for myself - that date is on the plaques next to all the paintings."
I wasn't convinced, thinking that without the accompanying birth date it was more likely to be the date the museum acquired the works or something - but I wasn't about to tell her that. "Oh, great - thanks!" My boyfriend added, "Gosh, was it that long ago? I can remember when he died like it was yesterday," to which SJP laughed "Tell me about it(!)" And off she trotted into the next room, leaving us speechless. Sarah Jessica Parker just spoke to us.
For the next hour or so we went through the museum, invariably seeing the actress in each room, who was being approached for autographs and willingly obliging.
Later, while I was admiring another painting, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Sarah Jessica Parker was explaining, "We now don't think Picasso died in 1979 - we think that the date means something else. I don't want to give you the wrong information." How thoughtful!
Seeing as she was so friendly, I decided I couldn't miss this opportunity to chat to her properly. I asked if that fabulous Philip Treacy butterfly hat she wore to the Sex and the City movie premiere in London was comfortable and she said it was extremely so. Pointing to one of the men she was with, she announced "...And this was the man who fitted it to my head, he's my stylist. And that guy over there [gesturing to the other man] is the one who wrote the movie!"
She continued to tell me that every city they find themselves in they all try to visit at least one museum as they love art, and they had been to the Tate Modern in London. And then she hurriedly followed the screenwriter and stylist who were leaving the room.
After we had done a full circuit of the museum, we paid the obligatory visit to the shop. Who was in there, buying some Picasso memorabilia? SJP. I picked up a biography of the great man, and as she passed me I said, "Picasso died in 1973, Sarah." "Yes, we just found out too! Now we know!". And then, I thought, stuff it - I'm going to ask her for a photo. Popping on her huge black sunglasses, she posed with me, as she did with a clearly-very-excited group of Spanish girls. Then she left the shop as her entourage discussed trying to get her into her car avoiding the baying mob of paparazzi who were camped outside.
So if you're ever in a city and you know Sarah Jessica Parker is in town, hang out at a museum - you're sure to bump into her. For the rest of my life I shall never be able to dissociate Picasso and Sarah Jessica Parker, which is very strange indeed.
Helen Hackworthy, editor, RadioTimes.com
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