'Harry Potter' superfan crowned Britain’s biggest collector of HP memorabilia
How big of a Potterhead are you?
With more than 9,000 Harry Potter items under her name, Victoria Maclean was awarded as Britain’s Biggest Collector by a local services marketplace, Airtasker.
Victoria started collecting items from the popular franchise after reading the first installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, in 2001. Since then, her collection has grown over the years, and she shared her enthusiasm with her mother who sadly passed away in 2015. Victoria continued collecting items to feel closer to her mom after her passing.
“When she passed away nine years ago, my collection became more of an obsession and it basically took over my life,” she said.
This Potterhead owns a handmade 24-carat gold leaf cabinet that contains a miniature replica of Dumbledore’s office and is worth an estimated P2.5 million. Her home is also filled with different ornaments, cloaks, hats, and other magical items from the beloved Harry Potter universe.
Victoria is grateful to be supported by her husband and children in her passion, “They’re really proud of me and they tell me every day. It’s really lovely to know that I’m not doing anything that embarrasses or upsets them. It’s something they can appreciate and they love me for it.”
When asked about the controversy surrounding the series' author, J.K Rowling, and her beliefs on transgender rights, Victoria—who is a member of LGBTQ community herself—believes that the Harry Potter universe now belongs to the fans as they have built a beautiful community far beyond the author’s influence.
“Harry Potter at the end of the day is something for everybody, regardless of who you are, your beliefs, your sexual orientation, your race, or your religion. It is for everyone out there and I love that everyone is accepted,” she stated.