News

WellChild unveils stellar line-up of contemporary artists for October auction

By Charlotte Edwards · September 2, 2021

Stunning contemporary art from some of the world’s most renowned artists will be on sale this October to raise money for national charity WellChild’s work for seriously ill children as the line-up for The WellChild Art Auction 2021 supported by Christie’s is announced.

The auction, which is WellChild’s flagship fundraiser of the year, has already attracted works from artists including Ronnie Wood, Jake & Dinos Chapman, David Mach, Richard Long, David Yarrow and Anish Kapoor, who are all donating and, in some cases, creating work for the charity’s 2021 collection. More than 30 artists have already signed up to help WellChild raise urgent funds for its work, which has become a lifeline to families during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Working with some of the finest contemporary artists, Curator Chris Westbrook has assembled a fabulous array of work for The WellChild Art Auction 2021, which will be hosted online, via global platform Artsy, between 14th and 28th October, with a selection of pieces also being included in Christie’s Modern British Art Day Sale on the 21st October at 13:00PM GMT.

WellChild Chief Executive, Colin Dyer said: “We are excited to announce an incredible line-up of artists for our 2021 contemporary art collection, which has been expertly curated by Chris Westbrook. The importance of this year’s auction cannot be underestimated. COVID-19 saw WellChild lose 60% of our forecasted income and yet the demand for help from families caring for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society sky-rocketed. A huge thanks to all of the artists who have generously donated work for this year’s collection. We can’t wait to share more details of the amazing pieces that will be on sale over the coming weeks.”

Alongside this fabulous fundraising event will be a photographic competition called Hopes and Dreams: My Life through a Lens, for the children and young people WellChild supports. Entries will be judged by an expert panel from the world of art and celebrity, including world renowned photographer, David Yarrow. The photos will allow the budding photographers to show the world what life is like for young people and families living with serious health needs.

WellChild’s first art collection, sold in 2019, featured works by Tracey Emin, Harland Miller and Antony Gormley and raised more than £300,000 for the charity.

Over the coming weeks, the charity will be releasing images of the art that will be featured in this year’s auction via its social media channels. To find out more and register your interest in this year’s collection please visit wellchild.org.uk/art.

Kelly-Anne Davitt - Art Auction
Charlotte Keates - WellChild Art Auction
Ray Richardson - WellChild Art Auction
Sara Shamma - Art Auction