Leonard Joel’s August modern design auction is an enticing collection of 20^th century furniture including fast moving 1970s and 1980s trends.

The auction develops the company’s relationship with New Zealand-based Mr Bigglesworthy and features exciting sculptural pieces and restored and carefully sourced Danish and American classics.

This sale, from 6.30pm Thursday August 27 at 333 Malvern Road South Yarra, pays tribute to the fact that today’s living spaces are the most important areas of dwelling and relaxation, both for entertainment and work.

E.J. Ainger’s first weekly sale after its special auction 10 days ago features a Steinbach boudoir piano.

The auction will begin at 9.30 Tuesday August 25 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond and included Victorian mahogany items and cedar two-door bookcases.

French decorative items including display cabinets and occasional pieces are another drawcard – while for the more rustic minded there is a farmhouse table on offer.

A mini camp stove especially adapted for extreme altitudes and weather conditions – and used in 1933 in the hunt for missing Mt Everest explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine – will be part of a special Steve Graham auction from 10am Sunday August 23 at 64 Urquhart Street, Woodend.

The stove, which may well be unique, was modified for use in high altitudes by Scottish climber Percy Unna.

Mallory and Irvine were part of an ill-fated 1924 British expedition to conquer the world’s tallest mountain.

Christian McCann’s on site sale last month of the contents of the nearby property “Moonya” so impressed the owner of 15 Linlithgow Street, Toorak she was prompted to contact him to perform a similar auction at her house.

“It was only a quick settlement of the sale of the house that prevented the auction going ahead in her home,” he said.

So now the sale is being held from noon Sunday August 23 in Christian McCann Auctions room at 426 Burnley Street, Richmond.