A 1962 London Beardmore taxi – driven to the auction rooms by its 85-year-old owner who bought it in England 42 years ago – will be an interesting drawcard for Ballarat Woolshed Auctions (a subsidiary of Glenelg Auctions) from 11am Sunday November 15 at Ballarat Mill Markets 9367 Western Highway Warrenheip, Ballarat.

The auction contains an extraordinary range of items including a fine Judy Cassab self-portrait – the first to be offered since her death last week at age 95.

Two baby grand pianos will be the highlight of E.J. Ainger’s forthcoming Melbourne auction from 9.30am Tuesday November 10 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

The auction features the residual contents of several estates including a Harcourt Street, Hawthorn mansion.

The baby grand pianos are an ebonised Yamaha and a John Broadway.

Other items include a leather lounge and contemporary Italian chrome and leather furniture from a Southbank apartment.

A Melbourne institution for iconic mid-20^th century design for more than 20 years, Geoffrey Hatty has closed the doors on his “Twentieth Design Store” in Prahran to renovate and expand the store into recently acquired neighbouring premises.

Accordingly, he has asked Leonard Joel to auction his collection from 2pm Sunday November 8 at 249 Johnson Street, Abbotsford.

The sale offers a range of unusual mid-20^th century designer pieces including a Clement Meadmore Australian floor lamp, a Gus mclaren lidded vessel and a rare George Kral dining chair.

A massive range of quality porcelain and crystal from the one estate will whet auction goer appetites when Young’s Auctions opens its auction bidding from 9.30am Friday November 6 at 229 Camberwell Road, East Hawthorn.

Names such as Waterford, Royal Winton, Carlton Ware, Spode, Moorcroft and Royal Albert will allow buyers to choose from a comprehensive selection unlikely to be seen again at auction for some time.

Furniture is another big drawcard at this auction with a Jimmy Possum table and three Stresslers recliners among the attractions.