Environmental scientists Tony Norton and Jann Williams have been enthusiastic collectors of indigenous Australian art since the 1980s and, over many years of travelling, have met many of Australia’s leading indigenous artists.

Tony’s interest was first sparked in 1972 by a visit central Australia where he encountered the Stuart Art Centre selling Papunya boards.

Both he and Jann were drawn to richness of western desert art and its deep connection with the desert landscape, iconography, aesthetic qualities and cultural significance.

The collection and professional items belonging to a well known Melbourne doctor and dentist will be auctioned from 10am Sunday April 3 by auctioneer Steve Graham at 64 Urquhart Street, Woodend.

The collection contains medical and dental equipment, scientific instruments, Pratt ware (19^th century ceramic jars used to hold toothpaste, balms and creams), ivory and bone pieces, chemist jars and antique bottles.

A small collection of paintings and sculptures comprise Leonard Joel’s second petite contemporary art auction from 11.30am Thursday March 24 at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra.

The inaugural petite contemorary art auction was held in 2015.

This collection includes street art, Roar school and minimalist works that appear to be favourites among younger buyers or discerning purchasers looking for something different.

Most of the works carry estimates of several hundreds of dollars.

Being given responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the in house gramophone at his parent’s café at age 12 led to a lifetime obsession with the music player for 84-year-old Nick Raftopoulos.

Nick was born on the island of Ithaca, Greece in January 1922 and migrated with his family to Australia in 1934.

They settled in the northern Victorian town Merbein where his parents opened a café and Nick grew so attached to the gramophone that he brought it with him when the family relocated to Melbourne in 1939.

What immediately strikes art lovers as they enter Stonington Mansion to view Menzies Art Brands first offerings for 2016 is the enormous Garry Shead painting entitled The Studio 2001 prominently displayed in the foyer.

This must be the auction for enormous works – major paintings by Tim Storrier and Rick Amor in an adjoining room are equally impressive, as is the upstairs display of Michael Johnson’s giant Vermillion 1995.

A Moran leather lounge is the highlight of E.J. Ainger’s forthcomings weekly sale from 9.30am Tuesday March 22 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

Other items bound to attract auction goers include an Australian cedar four-door sideboard and grandfather clock.

Among the French furniture is a commode and inlaid secretaire, mirrors and occasional pieces.

The auction also contains Chinese cabinets and a large selection of collectables. 

A rosewood and leather lounge suite by leading Brazilian designer Lafer MP (the initials meaning Moveis Patenteados, Portuguese for patented furniture) will be the highlight of Abbeys Auctions forthcoming special sale from 10am Saturday March 19 at 480-482A Station Street, Box Hill.

Established in 1927 by Benjamin Lafer to explore the ever growing potential of a furniture retail business in Sao Paulo, today design and product development is in the hands of one of his four sons Paul.

Leonard Joel’s forthcoming jewellery auction from 6pm Monday March 21 at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra focuses on emeralds while offering jewellery styles to suit a broad range of buyers.

Of particular note is lot 200 – a magnificent parure of handcrafted platinum pendant, earrings and ring in which are set perfectly matched Colombian emeralds cut from the same raw crystal – with a catalogue estimate of $240,000-$320,000.

This parure is part of a collection that includes a signed serpenti ring by Bvlgari (lot 115).

Leading Australian antiques dealer and arts patron Graham Geddes continues to auction highly collectable items – from an enormous collection assembled globally over four decades and now being consolidated – through major auction house Leonard Joel.

The next saga in this long tale will begin at 11am Sunday March 20 on site in his shop at 883 High Street, Armadale.

One of Moonee Ponds most architecturally significant homes will be the venue for Christian McCann Auctions forthcoming auction from noon Sunday March 20.

Rosherville, at 73 Holmes Road, was built in 1888 and has been the home of the Eastgate family for the past 72 years.

The family is now selling the house (auction April 30 by Jellis Craig) and has asked auctioneer Christian McCann to auction the contents.