The collector:  Nick Llewellyn, academic at the University of Warwick, UK.

The collection: Snow globes.

The story behind the collection:

I cannot remember the collection ever beginning as such.  I travel quite a bit as part of my job.  Initially they were in my office and people started to note them.  Soon enough, colleagues, students and friends started buying them for me.

Why snow globes?

They are quite jolly little things, and are very cheap.  The main thing I like is that people buy them for me.  People tend to think it's fun and I am always very appreciative!

How long have you been collecting and how many do you have?

I’ve been collecting them for about 6 years. I have about 100 at home and 25 at work.

How is your collection displayed?

The newest and least damaged are in the bathroom. They do get bashed around a bit, by the children. I am not precious about them, though it was a sad day when Bangkok broke. The knackered and leaky are in a box in a wardrobe.

Do you have a favourite?

To receive one from Libya was quite impressive. I have many variants of the Taj Mahal some of which double as a pen tidy.

What’s still currently missing from your collection?

Alas, no representatives from South America.

Is your collection out of control?

Not at all, but I don’t wish to understate it either. I definitely enjoy it.

Images © Helen Powell with the kind permission of Nick Llewellyn.