Eclectic collections photographed in new book 'What Lies Within'

dale niles
“What Lies Within,” is a new book by photographer Dale Niles. (Courtesy of Dale Niles)

Decluttering has become a huge industry, and many even consider it a virtue. Collectors have a different take. Andrea M. Noel believes collectors are born, not made, and they can’t help it. The many objects she has collected while living in New York, Paris and Atlanta are the subject of “What Lies Within,” a new book by photographer Dale Niles. The author joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom and featured collector Andrea M. Noel to talk about her extraordinary collection, not to be mistaken for clutter. 

Andrea M. Noel’s style and philosophy of collecting:

“When I was a little girl, I collected bottle caps and match covers. That was the beginning,” said Noel. “I think the collecting thing is an interest in variations on a theme. I don’t think it’s really collecting old discarded things. I think it’s seeing the variety that exists in one item.”