An unusual curiosity cabinet awaits passersby in Camden Passage, London. Behind a magical display window where nothing is for sale, a collector unveils the story of a life dedicated to the treasures of the past, displayed for the simple pleasure of the eyes.
In a lively alley in north London, a window captures attention. Papier-mâché masks, antique puppets, old-fashioned trains, and board games from another time create an enchanting scene that intrigues passersby. Yet, none of it is for sale. At number 43 Camden Passage, a blue door adorned with a Christmas wreath remains closed. This is not a shop, but the singular world of Bob Borzello, 88, a passionate collector. Nestled between a Mexican grill and a jewelry store, this former poster shop is now the stage for a life devoted to "accumulating," in Borzello’s own words.
A Dedicated Scavenger
Originally from Chicago, the former tabloid editor moved to London in the 1960s to study at the London School of Economics, before settling there permanently in 1967. This avid scavenger spent decades scouring flea markets and antique shops in search of unusual items. “What’s fun is the search and the find,” he confides. For the past decade, his collection has been displayed in this window, now a landmark in the neighborhood. His fascination with toys began with model airplanes before expanding to souvenirs from Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, along with a range of items: clocks, badges, wedding cake decorations, mannequins, and even his old Covid tests, neatly arranged near his phone.
The Collector’s Gene
At his home, not far away, every space reflects his passion. Around the fireplace, green objects, such as vases, shoes, hats, and necklaces, create a scene worthy of a museum. This obsession, which he attributes to the “collector’s gene” inherited from his Italian-American mother, has been partly passed on to his daughter, who enjoys hunting along the banks of the Thames. His son, on the other hand, embraces a minimalist lifestyle. His daughter-in-law, Belle Benson, who now looks after the window display with her daughter, describes the visitors’ enthusiasm. “People love it, especially the children,” she says. As for Bob Borzello, he has a sense of humor. Recently caught shredding old love letters to preserve his posthumous privacy, he admits with a smile that he kept the pieces: “I have trouble getting rid of things,” he acknowledges.
Thus, at the end of Camden Passage, this unusual den continues to captivate, a living testament to the memory and eccentricity of a tireless collector.
With AFP
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