James Mollison shoots collectors and their collections for Christie's magazine

As people who produce our own magazine, the hunt for great regular features is a constant one. So when we come across a belter in someone else’s publication, our admiration is spiked with a little envy. That’s how I felt when I saw the new Christie’s magazine (edited by Jeremy Langmead and designed by B.A.M. London) and came across the beautifully simple Collectors & Collections series.

Shot by the brilliant James Mollison (who previously wowed us with his intimate primate portraits) the first issue focussed on collectors in the UK and the second in New York, with the series heading to Germany and China in issues three and four.

In James’ hands there’s a neat but not overbearing symmetry between the people and their precious objects, so much so that if separated, I’d back myself to match up which portrait goes with which room. Presented in straightforward spreads, you find yourself poring over the details presented in each photograph, enjoying the parallels and creating narratives between collector and collection.