Churn and earn: why sustainable collecting beats hoarding every time

With collecting, we love the thrill of the chase – just don’t be tempted into hoarding. We’ve all seen television shows about this, where houses are full to bursting because people can’t bear to throw things out. This happens in the collecting world too but we should all have a limit.

I always advise people to ‘churn’ their collections. By that I mean collect and enjoy what you have, but then, as fashions change and new interest arises, shift some pieces on to make way for the latest find. This is a sustainable way of working because a collection is contained, fully appreciated and then moved on for some financial compensation, which allows new collecting to take place more easily.

We’ve had several calls over the years to assess collections that have grown too big. Rarely does an owner of an ‘extreme’ collection just decide to sell. It’s driven by a factor such as retirement, relocation or financial. Some collections have been incredible but usually you have to do a lot of digging to find the prized items, especially if the collector is guarded or not around to highlight items.

By churning, there’s no reason not to keep those few prized items. However, when a collection gets too large it’s impossible to appreciate all of it, plus it often brings spacial stress.

Helmets are an example. I sometimes invest in a limited edition one or a helmet that has a personal connection (such as the James Hunt, Simpson half-scale, inset). Enjoy them and then release them after a time when they are scarce and the value might have increased. The same can also be done with Lego or books and watches if you have a little knowledge about what’s being released and in what numbers.

A great collection isn’t defined by how big it is. It matters more that it’s appreciated to the fullest. That’s where the value lies.

Andrew Francis is director at The Signature Store. thesignaturestore.co.uk

Aston martin nose cone table

This is actually a nose cone from the 2020 Racing Point car, which was about to morph into the Aston Martin AMR21 for the following year. Race-used, encased in Perspex and complete with all original part marking. It’s probably also vibration-free, unlike Aston’s current car. £5000, f1authentics.com

Lando norris ‘splat’ painting

Artist Samuel Becker’s work stands out for its ’splat’ or graffiti-esque style. Rough, ready and alluring. This limited edition print (300 pieces) depicting 2025 Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris and his McLaren is available on canvas, acrylic glass or art paper, and in various sizes. From £65, sixtyIconic.com

Liberty walk X dasai

There’s a bizarre craze in Japan for these cutesy little ‘mochi’. Think of them as animated mascots that stick in your car’s interior, make sounds and pull faces. So not distracting at all… This one’s modelled after tuner Liberty Walk’s Ferrari F40 LB40 body kit (which transforms your 1990s Autozam AZ-1 kei car). £54, dasai.com.au

Macron X lamborghini

As well as making football kits for the likes of Crystal Palace, FC Basel and FK Austria Vienna, Macron also produces Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s motor sport range. Something for the ladies here (men’s also available) with this zip sweatshirt, for when she doesn’t specify what Lambo you had to buy her… £130.99, macron.com