The first issue of The Collector Magazine for 2012 is one of the best to date – reflecting a wide range of collecting disciplines that will intrigue collectors of all ages. Featuring a sublime Vincent Van Gogh painting that belonged to Elizabeth Taylor on the cover, this issue includes:

ELIZABETH TAYLOR’S ART COLLECTION

Since featuring a young Elizabeth Taylor on the cover of one of our earlier editions, the interest in her collection since her death has been at an all-time high. Although famous for her collection of jewellery which went under the hammer for millions, not many people realized that she also had a significant art collection, collected over the years and guided by her father who was a successful art dealer.

THE LALIQUE FOX THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY

Another fascinating story is that of the Lalique Fox Car Mascot that was part of a collection of ‘foxes’ that was auctioned from the Du Pont collection, this piece fetched $204 750 and was one of only five that was made by Rene Lalique to grace the bonnets of cars in the twenties and thirties.

SAVING THE WEDGWOOD MUSEUM

For lovers of English pottery, the demise of the Wedgwood Museum that is embroiled in a legal battle and is at risk of being sold off to pay off a ?134m pension deficit is a must read.

DISCOVERY OF A LEONARDO DA VINCI ORIGINAL

Read the fascinating story of a painting of Christ called Salvado Mundi”, thought to be by one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s pupils and sold in 1958 for ?45 has now been confirmed as being by the master himself and valued at a staggering $200 million.

COLLECTING WINNIE THE POOH ILLUSTRATIONS

If you were a fan of Winnie the Pooh read all about collecting illustrations by the Ernest Howard Shepard, the artist who brought the characters by A A Milne to life.

THE MYSTERY OF THE VOYNICH MANUSCRIPT

Read about the controversy around the Voynich manuscript that has experts baffled – is this manuscript written in an unknown language with its medicinal, astrological and astronomical sketches  a hoax, heresy or a new discovery.

DISCOVERING LOCAL TREASURES

The Collector magazine is filled with interesting finds from some of our most prominent antique dealers – ranging from rare 18th Century furniture to rare Chinese porcelain; from more contemporary glassware to South African masters art.