Scholar, successful businesswoman and in 1977 one of the founders of the Jewish Museum of Australia, the late June Helmer (who died last year aged 95) spared no expense travelling the world to study Jewish art collections and museums.

Her efforts resulted in June becoming the first adviser on the museum’s Australian collections, curator of its first exhibitions and a vital fundraiser.

In doing so, June also built an enviable art and decorative arts collection – to be auctioned from 10am Thursday February 22 through Leonard Joel 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra. 

One of the best collections of signed antique French furniture to go to auction in Australia – featuring famous cabinetmakers such as Henry Dasson, Mathieu Befort Jeune, Hippolyte-Edme Pretot and Paul Sormani – will be the highlight of Christian McCann Auctions first sale for 2018 from noon Sunday February 11 at 426 Burnley Street, Richmond in Melbourne.

Henry Dasson (1825-1896) was a renowned 19^th century Parisian maker of gilt-bronze mounted furniture.

A set of stone outdoor tables and chairs from a stately home in Harcourt Street, Hawthorn is among the highlights of E.J. Ainger’s opening auction for 2018. It joins particularly fine items from several Melbourne homes and estates to go under the hammer from 9.30am Tuesday February 6 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

Featured items include a strong selection of English and French bookcases including a quality secretaire.

Other furniture items of note include a dining room table, leather top twin pedestal desks and a massive Edwardian sideboard.

Leonard Joel opens its 2018 auction season on Thursday January 18 with four weekly sales covering furniture, jewellery, art salon and collectables.

The first of these – furniture – begins at 10.00am with the remainder starting respectively at 10.30am, 11.30am and noon.