Famous Collectors and
Their Extraordinary Collections
Their Extraordinary Collections
Practically everyone has a hobby, don’t they? Did you know that 20% of the world’s population engages in collecting? According to statistics, coin collecting ranks as the most popular. Other top interests include philately, phaleristics, postcard collecting, and horology. While these are familiar to most visitors of auction platforms like eBay, today we’ll explore extraordinary collections and the famous people behind them.
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Aristotle: A Pioneer of Botanical Collecting
Let’s start with Aristotle, one of the earliest known collectors in history. Living in the 4th century BCE, this Greek philosopher is celebrated not only for his monumental contributions to philosophy but also for cataloging plants. Aristotle’s collection was groundbreaking; exotic specimens were brought to him by merchants and even by his pupil, Alexander the Great, from distant campaigns. His collection laid the foundation for botanical science as we know it.
Let’s start with Aristotle, one of the earliest known collectors in history. Living in the 4th century BCE, this Greek philosopher is celebrated not only for his monumental contributions to philosophy but also for cataloging plants. Aristotle’s collection was groundbreaking; exotic specimens were brought to him by merchants and even by his pupil, Alexander the Great, from distant campaigns. His collection laid the foundation for botanical science as we know it.
Royal Conchylomania: Collecting Shells in Style
Conchology, or the collecting of seashells, reached its zenith during the 16th and 17th centuries among European aristocrats. Enthusiasts included King Louis XIII of France, Christian VI of Denmark, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, Russian Tsar Peter I, and Emperor Hirohito of Japan. For these monarchs, conchylomania was more than a hobby—it was a symbol of prestige and global exploration.
Conchology, or the collecting of seashells, reached its zenith during the 16th and 17th centuries among European aristocrats. Enthusiasts included King Louis XIII of France, Christian VI of Denmark, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, Russian Tsar Peter I, and Emperor Hirohito of Japan. For these monarchs, conchylomania was more than a hobby—it was a symbol of prestige and global exploration.
Yuri Gagarin and His Cactus Obsession
Even the first man in space had a surprising pastime—collecting cacti. Yuri Gagarin’s love for these hardy plants saw him bringing back unique specimens from international trips. His home became a mini botanical garden of prickly wonders.
Even the first man in space had a surprising pastime—collecting cacti. Yuri Gagarin’s love for these hardy plants saw him bringing back unique specimens from international trips. His home became a mini botanical garden of prickly wonders.
Insect Enthusiasts: Rockefeller, Lynch, and Schiffer
David Rockefeller, a financial mogul, amassed a collection of over 40,000 insect specimens, valued at $2.7 million.
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer shares a similar passion, focusing on dried spiders, which she frames and displays in her home.
Meanwhile, filmmaker David Lynch has a peculiar fascination with collecting dead flies—an eccentric yet quintessentially Lynchian pursuit.
David Rockefeller, a financial mogul, amassed a collection of over 40,000 insect specimens, valued at $2.7 million.
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer shares a similar passion, focusing on dried spiders, which she frames and displays in her home.
Meanwhile, filmmaker David Lynch has a peculiar fascination with collecting dead flies—an eccentric yet quintessentially Lynchian pursuit.
Tom Hanks and Typewriters
Hollywood star Tom Hanks is a passionate typewriter collector. For him, the joy lies in both hunting down rare machines and the tactile pleasure of typing on them. His collection boasts over 100 models, including the Olympia Model SM8, Hermes 3000, and a sentimental Underwood that belonged to his father. Hanks often uses his typewriters to craft personal letters for friends and family.
The Diversity of Collecting Today
The world of collecting is as diverse as the collectors themselves. From numismatics and philately to more niche interests like sports memorabilia or historical artifacts, the possibilities are endless.
Platforms like Bargainz.IN cater to both mainstream and rarefied tastes, offering treasures for every collector’s passion.
Hollywood star Tom Hanks is a passionate typewriter collector. For him, the joy lies in both hunting down rare machines and the tactile pleasure of typing on them. His collection boasts over 100 models, including the Olympia Model SM8, Hermes 3000, and a sentimental Underwood that belonged to his father. Hanks often uses his typewriters to craft personal letters for friends and family.
The Diversity of Collecting Today
The world of collecting is as diverse as the collectors themselves. From numismatics and philately to more niche interests like sports memorabilia or historical artifacts, the possibilities are endless.
Platforms like Bargainz.IN cater to both mainstream and rarefied tastes, offering treasures for every collector’s passion.
Photocredits: Unsplash
