Christian McCann Auctions had barely moved into its new premises at 7 Harper Street, Abbotsford when Australian government restrictions on trading and social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic forced its next sale to be carried out entirely online, by telephone or absentee bidding.

This, despite the new premises being set up with a second gallery specifically purposed for displaying art and jewellery at each forthcoming auction.

The collection of one of Australia’s leading master model railway builders, the late Frank Kelly – who died in June 2016, will be auctioned from 2pm Sunday March 22 by Leski Auctions at 727-729 High Street, Armadale.

His handiwork was admired by all who knew him and the first 55 lots of the sale gives collectors the perfect opportunity to acquire one of his models.

Leski Auctions describes every lot as unique and testament to Frank’s ability to build from scratch by hand models of Victorian and South Australian locomotives and rolling stock.

Christian McCann Auctions has coincided its move to new, larger premises at 7 Harper Street, Abbotsford with some of the best quality furniture and collectables to be auctioned in Australia for many years.

This is the modest claim of managing director Christian McCann who has selected the auction pieces from items consigned to the company over the past six months.

“The quality of these items is simply unsurpassed,” he said – looking forward to the sale from noon Sunday March 15 at the new premises.

Menzies is excited about the potential for a new artist auction record for Australian artist Del Kathryn Barton’s painting Openly Song 2014 (lot 33) at its first sale for 2020 from 6.30pm Thursday February 27 at 1 Darling Street, South Yarra.

Chief executive officer Justin Turner describes the painting, which has never been auctioned before, as the best of her works to come onto the secondary market.