World’s top artists raise thousands of pounds to help seriously ill children
Last week, on 28th October, artwork from more than 40 of the biggest names in the contemporary art world was auctioned off at Christie’s Auction House. The artists donated, and in some cases create new pieces, of artwork for the exclusive auction in aid of WellChild.
The collection sold for more than £300,000 and all the profit from the event will go towards WellChild’s work supporting children with serious health needs and their families.
Working with international artists for over thirty years, creative director Chris Westbrook carefully curated donations from over 40 of the world’s leading artists including established greats such as Anish Kapoor, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, Rankin, Harland Miller and David Yarrow.
Artists Ian Davenport, Adam Dant, Antonia Showering, David Mach and Patrick Hughes all created brand new pieces exclusively for the WellChild Art Auction. Amongst the brand creations was ‘Boat’ created by renowned Syrian artist Sara Shamma. The new painting incorporates a drawing by 11 year old Dylan, a child supported by WellChild.
The auction also included photography by children and young people supported by WellChild. The top ten photos from the WellChild My Life Through A Lens photography competition were on display at Christie’s and the top three finalists included in the Silent Auction. The competition was aimed at shining a light on the reality of life for young people living with serious health needs or disability. The winning photo entitled ‘Resuscitation’ by Jack, sold for £750.
“WellChild has an ambitious target that every seriously ill child or young person in the UK should have access to the support they need to be able to thrive at home with their families. We are therefore overwhelmed by the support of the art world and the artists donating their fascinating work to the WellChild Helping Hands Auction. Their contributions will enable WellChild to have a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of children and their families.”
