Pieces from Late Bill Howard Collection purchased by The Amazing Mill Markets

Across two days, thousands of people attended a very special auction of antiques and collectables at The Woolshed, located behind The Mill Markets Ballarat. The auction of the private collection of the late Bill Howard was conducted by Graham Lancaster Auctions. Over eight hundred lots went under the hammer, and some hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised through the sale of this fantastic collection.

Mark Ward, owner of The Amazing Mill Markets and keen collector, successfully bid on a number of pieces over the two days. In doing so, Mark has managed to purchase some of the most iconic items from this unique collection which Bill Howard built over four decades. Mark’s purchases include a penny farthing purchased for $10,000; the canvas ‘Palais de Danse, St Kilda’ hand-painted tango poster at a cost of $5500; one of Australia’s earliest petrol bowsers and a coin-operated Fry’s Chocolate dispenser made from cast iron.

The good news for visitors to The Mill Markets at Ballarat, Daylesford and Geelong is that these wonderful examples of historic collectables and antiques will be displayed at our venues for members of the public to view for free. These pieces make wonderful additions to The Amazing Mill Markets’ permanent display and will be available for viewing shortly. We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to see them up close!