What We Collect, part 3 of 3 – The Committed Collector

Since it’s Friday, we avid collectors might have a few questions on our minds: When can I get out to go antiquing this weekend? Where should I stop first, and what might I find there?

I’ve been considering that last one for a few posts now, and I think I can wrap up my answer to the question “What do collectors collect?” with a final list of a dozen things. I’m not trying to itemize actual, tangible things that collectors collect. Instead, I’ve been thinking about the ways any variety of items can be categorized.

Whether you collect action figures, team jerseys, or college pennants or seek out antique dolls, vintage fashions, or grammar school primers, all of your treasures (and mine, too) can be classified as larger, broader kinds of things.

In answer to the query “What gets collected?” here’s the remainder of my list of the kinds of intangible collectibles that we committed collectors pursue.

Avid collectors like I am might also collect…

11. Colors and color combinations – Some collectors, myself included, are particularly visual and are drawn more to the shades of items than the things themselves. The seasons, as well as aging and weathering, naturally give us different colors, and designers and retailers recognize that merchandise (like Barbie’s new wardrobe) is more attractive when it’s in the year’s new color palette. That’s why I have a half dozen sets of vibrant summer plasticware and more than enough vases—because ruby red, forest green, and cobalt blue are equally appealing to me.

12. Textures – Other collectors are more tactile and respond to the feel of things. While some prefer the roughness of primitive pottery, others choose the smoothness of porcelain or the sleek shine of chrome. Some collect textiles like linens or quilts or clothing or handmade crafts, while others favor glass, woodworks, or machinery.

13. Shapes – Some people are drawn to the form of things and, perhaps subconsciously, select things that end up building a collection of recognizable contours like round teapots, circular picture frames, or other orbs, globes, and spheres. Others are attracted to items that have oval, square, or rectangular shapes or diagonal lines.

14. Patterns – Likewise, some collectors have a noticeable fondness for certain designs, such as florals, plaids, or even abstracts. While they might think they’re buying clothes or choosing upholstery, a closer look reveals that they’re actually assembling a collection of classical, geometric, or organic patterns or prints.

15. Variety – Then there are the collectors who simply accumulate variations on a theme. Perhaps we’re really collecting specimens—examples of every variation we come across, every size, shape, color, and form within our field of collecting. That’s easy to do when you’re collecting in the Rochester area, for we have access to multiple retail outlets and secondary markets.

16. Quantity – Similarly, some people simply go after large numbers of items. They’re the ones who have the bumper stickers that read, “The one who dies with the most _____ wins.” There’s something satisfying about being able to say, “I have a hundred of them” or “I have 2,000 of that.” Perhaps we’re also keeping score and merely aspire to amass the most.

17. Quality – However, some collectors, especially connoisseurs, would rather say, “I have the best.” They are attuned to the artistic qualities and expert craftsmanship of the things they compile together in their homes, so they usually acquire only the finest things—the acclaimed, the rare, the revered, and the high-end.

18. Beauty – Likewise, some people naturally appreciate beautiful things, although their definition of beauty may differ. Many postcards and greeting cards depict attractive objects or scenes, while many decorative accessories appeal to traditional (or contemporary) aesthetic conventions. For instance, many vintage figurines are pretty; traditional landscapes often depict lovely settings, and even salvaged architecture can be described as handsome.

19. Imagery – Other collectors react to things that possess certain inherent associations. These items naturally conjure up some kind of image, and holiday collectibles often fall into this category. Bloody Halloween props are meant to evoke disgust or horror, while ghostly ones are intended to suggest something ethereal or eerie.

20. Icons – Others are particularly attracted to items whose reputations have been established over time and have even earned iconic status. Celebrity and sports memorabilia often include icons in their fields, as do other general or fictional figures: Angels in white and gold represent the religious aspect of Christmas, while jolly, generous Santas suggest its childlike joy.

21. Symbols – In a similar way, some people recognize the symbolic nature of things, so they’re drawn to tangible items that represent other, intangible things. For instance, because they are usually very well made and very costly, designer clothes and luxury vehicles represent success, wealth, and status, while estate jewelry and old family photographs suggest long lineages.

22. Trophies – Ultimately, all collectors also collect trophies. Every item in our collection indicates some kind of triumph. We might have found the best piece or a piece at the best price. Each item in our collections shows that we have dedicated time, energy, and money into our passions. Each piece represents our personalities, our interests, and our lifestyles, and each piece shows that we’ve scored another buy and won another round in the game of collecting.

If that’s what you’re doing this weekend—looking to score a few finds and earn a few more points in the collecting arena—beware: If you bring home too many trophies, as I have, you might just need a space the size of a small arena to showcase your treasurers.

Nonetheless, I say, let the collecting games begin!

Patti
The Committed Collector

If you’re attracted to collectibles by color or pattern, or if you are on either side of the quantity v. quality debate, please leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.