Pacha Kuti 2 / MB6
Courtesy: David Rowan
‘Visual’ artists David Rowan and Chris Keenan, as well as Turner prize nominees Jeremy Deller and Antony Gormley are just some of the artists and designers who have donated works to the first-ever art auction in aid of the Geoff Thomas Foundation, with the aim of raising funds to make life-changing drug therapies available to sufferers of blood cancers.
Taking place at the Institute of Directors on Thursday 4 March, the main auction will be led by Sotheby’s auctioneer Harry Dalmeny and will feature more than 20 pieces of sculpture, photography and paintings, by known and emerging artists, with estimates ranging from £100 to £8,000.
Works to be snapped up include Open by Antony Gormley, Memphis by Jeremy Deller, Katie Come True by contemporary pop artist Stuart Semple, Roses by Jasper Joffe, Helicopter, by George Young, winner the John Jones Art on Paper Award at Zoo Art 2009, Donna Wilson’s knitted creatures, Bunny Blue and Kate, and Pink Mushroom, a limited edition hand silk-screened print from designer Concetta Gallo’s forthcoming collection, Surreal.
All proceeds raised on the evening will be donated to the Geoff Thomas Foundation. The Foundation was set up by former England Footballer Geoff Thomas. Geoff was given just months to live after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003. He has now dedicated his time to help in the fight against blood cancer and raise funds for vital clinical trials.
In 2005 Susan McNally and Brenda Parkerson joined forces to create an art auction to raise money for Cure Leukaemia. Founded by Professor Charlie Craddock, “Cure Leukaemia” is a West Midlands charity based at the Centre for Clinical Haematology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The Cure Leukaemia Art Auction has raised over £75,000 for the charity.
Susan and Brenda began working with The Geoff Thomas Foundation in 2009 on their first London charity art auction. Susan McNally is an independent arts project manager and consultant. Brenda Parkerson is Regional Director for Arts & Business North.
The Geoff Thomas Art Auction is supported by Sotheby’s, Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance, Idea Generation, Matt Price, Empty Creative, Made Media, and Art for Good and Art Feelers.
The auction takes place on 4 March 2010 at The Burton Room, The Institute Of Directors,116 Pall Mall, London SW1Y
For details, contact Becky Frewing: becky@geoffthomasfoundation.com
Refreshments and canapés will be served
Dress code: Smart Casual
Doors open at 7pm
Suggested donation of £20 to be collected on the night
Click here to view the work up for auction and to download a copy of the auction guidebook