Collectors – have you seen it?

I have a new favourite programme which my lovely, canny friend Catherine put me on to; Collectors on ABC TV. A lighthearted look at what and why people collect – from old typewriters to Smurfs, and vintage irons to fishing flys – Collectors reveals quite a lot about the personalities who amass such amazing (and sometimes bizarre) collections.

My favourite episode aired on 14 August. The hosts interviewed artist Tony Albert, and I loved seeing what he’s done with his massive collection of kitsch Aboriginalia. This picture might be a bit small to see any detail, but the letters are made up by ashtrays, coasters, cups and all sorts of items bearing Aboriginal images – from the faintly racist to the shocking. Some aren’t even that old… there’s some creative recycling for you.

Seriously fascinating stuff.