Leonard Joel’s latest modern design auction focuses on the innovation and moving trends of the 1970s and 1980s – a time where innovating surrounding space and form were cleverly incorporated into furniture design.

More than 30 years later, these designs are highly sought after for personal living spaces by auction goers and collectors and Leonard Joel offers a comprehensive range of items in its forthcoming auction from 6.30pm Thursday April 14 at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra.

John Carre Riddell was a leading pastoralist and politician in mid-19^th century Victoria.

Born and educated in Scotland, with his cousin Thomas Hamilton Riddell migrated in 1839 to Sydney and the following month rode to Melbourne.

They briefly visited Victoria’s Western District before in early 1840 buying the stock and de-pasturing licence of the Mount Macedon run which, six years later, was 78 square kilometres in size.

Paintings by leading Australian European and Chinese artists, fine antique furnishings and estate jewellery are some of the highlights at Ballarat Woolshed Auctions (otherwise known as Glenelg Auctions) forthcoming two-day sale from 12.30pm Saturday April 9 and Sunday April 10.

The auction will take place at Ballarat Mill Markets 9367 Western Highway Warrenheip, Ballarat.

Among the paintings are David Bromley’s Hilary, John Borrack’s Aireys Inlet, Ernest Buckmaster’s Still Life and Arthur Boyd’s Bride and Bridegroom by a Riverbed.

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.