COLLECTORS goes for the doctor tonight, with a 2000-strong collection of medical objects from the 1800s to the present day. Starting with an existing collection from a retiring doctor friend, General Practitioner Dr John Fluit has amassed this immense and diverse collection, which represents the inventiveness and courage of doctors who have battled disease and injury for centuries. Some of it is frightening, all of it is inspiring. The star is the pearl-handled chain-saw for bones.

Then Andy gets all nerdy at a huge Sci-Fi Convention in Hobart, where 50 stalls celebrate Star Wars, Dr Who, Terminator and every other imaginable star of the science fiction world. A life-size working and squawking Dalek, seemingly scores of Star Wars Storm Troopers and lots of things to buy, complete a fictitious, fun-filled picture.

Gordon then transports us to a sensational, museum-quality private collection in Adelaide, on display at the Art Gallery of South Australia. The life-time work of David Roche, it includes a three-barrelled, richly decorated pistol belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte, and a ceremonial chair which belonged to Catherine the Great, no less. All of it is simply stunning.

Michael and Chris Coughlan’s collection is a visual history of 20th century ceramics, glassware, metalware and furniture. All the great periods and art movements are represented, all of it in wonderful condition, but as they point out, much of it was acquired for not much money. A wonderful, living collection, much of which is in daily use.

The auction item is superb, the “Mystery Object” stumps everyone, and it’s all fun and action on COLLECTORS!


COLLECTORS 8pm Friday, ABC1 don’t miss it!
Repeated on ABC2 6.05pm the following Monday.