The ‘Art for Grenfell’ auction has been announced to take place on Monday 16 October at Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond Street, in London. Leading contemporary artists have generously agreed to donate works to the auction, including Tacita Dean, Tracey Emin, Rachel Howard, Sarah Lucas, Harland Miller, Wolfgang Tillmans, Yinka Shonibare, Mark Wallinger and Rachel Whiteread. Gallerist Sadie Coles, a former resident of Notting Hill, will also donate a work from her own collection.
“The Grenfell disaster has had a profound effect on all of us” – Sotheby’s
The Grenfell Auction sale proceeds will be divided up equally among the 158 surviving families by the Rugby Portobello Trust, a North Kensington-based charity which has been closely supporting the Grenfell residents since the fire in June.
Film Producer Hamish McAlpine and Art Consultant Katie Heller are the driving forces behind ‘Art For Grenfell’, and over the past few months have been working with the artists to source works for the sale. They said: “ The edifice of Grenfell Tower stands as a reminder of the terrible failure of society to look after its poorest people. No one should have had to suffer the trauma that these people have endured. It is only right that we should do all we can to help in any way that we can and the artists have responded with immense generosity and goodwill. ”
Mark Simms, CEO of the Rugby Portobello Trust said: “Thank you on behalf of The Rugby Portobello Trust and on behalf of the families and wider community affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. The Rugby Portobello Trust has pledged to support everyone who survived this disaster and to ensure all Grenfell residents receive the support they need. The monies raised by this auction will be delivered, in their entirety, directly to the former residents by The Rugby Portobello Trust.”
Lord Dalmeny, Sotheby’s UK Chairman and Auctioneer for the ‘Art for Grenfell’ sale said: “The Grenfell disaster has had a profound effect on all of us.We are very glad to be able to do something to help provide support to the victims.”
Ahead of the auction, the works will be exhibited at Sotheby’s London from 12-16 October. A small selection of sale highlights will also be exhibited from 6-8 October.
Top Photo: Neon Donated by Tracey Emin