• Move your mouse over any picture on this (or any page on the site) to get a better view by seeing a bigger picture. Move your mouse away to return to the normal view.
• Move your mouse over the blue headers to find out more about that section.
• If you see a picture of something interesting in this collection click on the image, the page will refresh, highlighting the image you selected together with any information the owner has given about that item.
• Give this collection a rating by selecting a number between 1 and 5 at the top right of the screen (5 is the highest score). Once you have rated a collection the display will change to show you what score has been awarded by members visiting this collection. When you rate a collection the system will prompt you to write something in the Visitors Books – you can add a comment or simply close the box if you don’t want to say anything.

I have several collections running (don't we all?) My main interest is in Australian tins, especially tea tins, particularly Bushells.  I also have a number of Swallows and Ariells biscuit tins.  As well as this, I collect canisters (I especially like the tea tins that double as canisters when empty) and blue and green Bakewells, Fowlers and Hoffman ceramics.  I also collect and wear vintage costume jewellery and have a liking for other vintage items such as handbags.  I use vintage glassware when entertaining and and I have really enjoyed fitting my house out with vintage light fittings!

Last year I entered a competition run by a local antique society where entrants were required to describe their collection and explain why they collect.  My entry was judged the winner, so I thought I would include it in My Bower.

My essay - 'Why I have a collection'