Eclectic treasures: Bendigo Post Office Gallery

Collecting has a deep-rooted cultural history stemming from the ‘cabinet of curiosities’ which was common from the 16th century to today. The items amassed were extensive and varied – natural specimens and man-made objects sat alongside each other. Today, little has changed and the scope of collecting is limitless from artworks to stamps, historical posters to matchbox cars and the reasons for collecting are just as boundless. Many psychologists have theorised over the ‘condition’ of collecting for decades but it is undeniably a prevalent pastime in our society that engages people of all different walks of life. Eclectic Treasures:  Bendigo’s private collections explores a selection of unique local collections and the motivations for seeking and acquiring objects, precious or peculiar that might otherwise never have survived.

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