Collectors' items: inspirational, delightful, poignant

New York

THE New Museum's summer show The Keeper explores the complex relationships we have with the things we collect. Why do we amass certain objects? How do these collections affect us and those around us? When does a pleasant hobby cross the line into obsession, even madness?

Inspired by this vast exhibition, which includes some 4,000 items and artworks over four floors, created or preserved by 30 "keepers", The New York Times asked readers to submit stories and photos of their own collections. The hundreds of responses were inspirational, delightful, poignant, shocking and disgusting, occasionally all at once.