An American who amassed an art collection of more than 5,000 works while working as a postal clerk has died.

Herbert Vogel was 89.

He was one of the first collectors to champion minimal and conceptual art. Pieces from his collection have been distributed to museums throughout the US.

Vogel and his wife Dorothy used his entire salary from the post office to purchase works of art while living on what she earned as a librarian.

Vogel was highly respected by art experts. Earl Powell III, Director of the National Gallery of Art, says he will miss Vogel’s astute eye and wry sense of humor.