Minion collection captures world record

LIESL Benecke took her two daughters - then 10 and 12 - to see Despicable Me when it first hit theatres in 2010. It was life-changing.

- THE WASHINGTON POST

“I was just taken with the Minions,” said Benecke, 52, referring to the tiny yellow creatures in the film, known for their nonsensical language, mischievous antics and passion for bananas. “It was like an instant love for them; they made me laugh.”

So much, in fact, that she bought herself a Kinder Surprise chocolate, knowing there would be a Minion inside. Then, she got a Stuart figurine and a Minion eraser. The more she bought, the more she liked them.

Soon, Benecke - who lives in Perth, Australia - had bobbleheads, blankets, Lego sets, shower curtains and water bottles with pictures of Kevin, Stuart, Bob, Dave and the rest of the squat, overall-wearing little pranksters. The collection kept growing.

“It just gives me joy,” Benecke said.

It's been 15 years since Benecke started her Minion collection, and she has racked up 1 035 Minion-related items from around the world, including two limited-edition Minion coins, which cost her about $150 (R2 804) each. She even has two Minion tattoos - one is of one-eyed Stuart laughing, and the other is Stuart posing with his tongue out.

Guinness World Records last month gave Benecke the title for the largest collection of Minion memorabilia.