Light of his life

By Bridget Brady
ANDREW Pinxt used to rummage through the old Cranbourne tip to find lamps and other treasures.
He now has a shed full of old kerosene lamps, some he estimates date back to the 1800s. Some of the brands he has include Miller, Juno, Tilley and Gloria.
Mr Pinxt, 62, has lost count as to how many lamps he has, but said it would be “hundreds”.
And he may come close to rivalling the world record for the largest oil lamp collection, with the title currently belonging to German Dieter Bruckner for his collection of 337 different lamps.
But accolades were not the inspiration for his collection, Mr Pinxt said. “I’m pleased to have it but it’s not for me, I’m collecting it for future Australia.
And it’s not just old lamps that tickle Mr Pinxt’s fancy. The Cannons Creek resident has a unique collection of other antique treasures such as old books, stationary engines, horse drawn carriages, toys and newspapers from prominent events.
“I’m a hoarder. You name it, I’ve got it. I never get bored in here, it’s fascinating.”
The story behind each of his pieces was something Mr Pinxt found intriguing, he said. “I really love it. It’s the satisfaction of having it and the history behind it.”
Mr Pinxt said his interest in collection things started before he moved to Australia when he worked for a scrap metal merchant in Holland.
“We used to clean up a lot of old buildings and you did come across some interesting bits and pieces.”
He could not bring any of his collection with him when he arrived in Australia, so Mr Pinxt started going to the Cranbourne tip after he married his wife, Patsy, in 1970 and also attended garage sales.
“I wondered what I married,” she laughed. “But I love his collection.”
Mr Pinxt jokes that he has lived in the wrong period in time. His collection will be one of the displays on show at the popular upcoming Cranbourne Shire Historical Society Antique Chair, Lamp and Bottle Fair at the Tooradin Public Hall on 17 and 18 October.
For a gold coin donation, people can peruse the displays, with some items for sale. Rosemary Mynard from the Cranbourne Shire Historical Society said the fair was a very enjoyable day and people came from far and wide to attend. The fair will be held from 10am to 4pm on both days.