10 Canadian Collectors Share Their Quirky Collections
Updated: Sep. 08, 2021
From vintage cameras to model trains and (almost) everything in between, these Our Canada readers capture their most cherished collections.
Matryoshka Dolls
“One of my favourite things to collect are Matryoshka dolls,” Tara Lowry of Vancouver writes. “Each one has a story to tell.” The first Matryoshka dolls were created by Sergey Malyutin and Vasily Zvyozdochkin—two artists living under the patronage of a wealthy Russian industrialist—in 1890.
Michael Garman Sculptures
“How we love our Michael Garman collection of sculptures,” writes Paula Brown of Ottawa. “We’re always on the lookout to add to the group.”
Check out this impressive collection of Canadian antiques!
Vintage Cameras
“This collection of old cameras used to belong to my grandfather,” writes Ann Lane of Cobourg, Ont. “It’s amazing to see the evolution of cameras over time.”
You’ll be blown away by this collector’s impressive vintage motorcycle replicas.
Diesel Trains
Roger Lafontaine of Cornwall, Ont. writes: “My father, Maurice, collected trains all his life. He loved to collect anything that he could use on his layout. He collected over 1,000 diesel trains, and some were hand-painted. The diesels represented the new era of trains.”
Read about the dying wish of a Canadian antique collector.
Nutcrackers
“I love Nutcrackers, from one inch to two and a half foot tall,” writes Stephen Luke of Tweed, Ont. “I have over 160 of them!”
Discover this amazing collection of Home Hardware diecast trucks.
Danish Dinnerware
Karen Allin of Mississauga, Ont. writes: “Here’s a part of my parents’ collection of Danish plates and cups, all featuring locations in Denmark.”
Queen Elizabeth II has always held a special place in this collector’s heart.
Crazy About Cats
Let’s run through the collection: ornaments, bells, an incense holder, a potpourri holder, a nesting set, a photo frame… and the list goes on! “It’s a safe hoarding situation,” jokes Donna Maroulis of Squamish, B.C.
This eyecup collection is a fascinating look at the history of medicine cabinets.
One-of-a-Kind Pins
Among Anne Jarvis of Victoria, B.C.’s unique pins: Batman, the Joker, Walt Disney, and of course, one commemorating Canada’s 150th birthday.
Take a peek at this Canadian’s impressive rare pin collection!
Film Photography
Anyone born before 1990 may well not remember the time of one-hour photo labs and roll film. Lynn Mabley’s personal photo collection, seen here, runs back three generations.
Don’t miss these ways to take better black-and-white photos.
Amber Glass
“What started as a fascination with my grandmother’s amber glass perfume bottle (in the front), turned into a joy of finding any amber glass,” writes Deb Sandau of Red Deer, Alta.
Next, check out this Canadian’s incredible Blue Mountain pottery collection!
