Gathering art
Some years ago my wife and I were in Normandy in a small village indulging our penchant for collecting antiques; especially French faience. In a specialist shop we spotted an attractive plate, designed by Alfred Beau for the Quimper factory. In somewhat halting French we discussed the piece with the proprietor, including the price, and explained that we had quite a collection of French pottery at home. In answer to the lady's enquiry, Vous êtes marchands ? I replied in all innocence, Mais non, nous sommes seulement collecteurs. Puzzled by her rather embarrassed mirth at my reply we left her shop and went on our way. It was not until I returned home and checked my dictionary that I discovered the reason for her amusement. I should have said collectionneur, not collecteurs to have indicated our status as collectors, not gatherer!
Sent by: Michael
Comments
Collecteur can also be read as tax collector or representative of a fun-raising campaign - travelling can be anything 'tween baffling to amusing, right?
"Fun-raising"? I want that job!
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