Ever wanted to be a guest on Jools Holland’s show? What about have lunch at Claridge’s with Dame Joan Collins? Or get a personal tour of Grayson Perry’s studio with the artist himself?
These are only three of the many exciting pledges in Bonhams’ not-for-profit BLUE online auction, which have been donated in aid of the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal. The auction is taking place online from 9am Wednesday 8 April until Wednesday 29 April. Lots are available to view here.
Many of the UK’s leading actors, musicians, artists and sportspeople have generously donated items and experiences in support of this cause. Other experience-based pledges include a walk-on role in Call the Midwife (which includes hair, makeup and costume), followed by lunch or tea with the cast and crew, along with a signed copy of the script; two tickets to Hello Dolly at the Adelphi Theatre, followed by a behind-the-scenes backstage tour with the lead: BAFTA-winning actress Imelda Staunton; an ‘ultimate lockdown takeaway’ prepared and cooked for you by Gizzi Erkskine; tea with award-winning author Joanna Trollope CBE, along with a signed copy of her latest book, Mum and Dad; an action-packed wildlife watching adventure with Steve Backshall and Helen Glover; and two tickets to the British Academy Film Awards in 2021.
Artworks up for grabs include those by Antony Gormley, Julian Opie, Anish Kapoor, Patrick Hughes, Bambi, Sara Pope, Eduardo Paolozzi and The Connor Brothers, whose work Extraordinary People is a 1/1 2020 print with oil, acrylic and pastel. The Connor Brothers say of this opportunity, “'We are grateful to Bonhams for giving us the opportunity to support the extraordinary dedication, tirelessness and bravery of our NHS staff and volunteers in the face of the near unimaginable challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We owe them a collective debt that we will never fully be able to repay. Our deepest thanks to each and every one of you.”
Other exciting items are a clapperboard from the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die, featuring the signatures of the music artist, key cast and crew – including none other than Daniel Craig, and a McLaren Formula One racing suit worn and signed by racing sensation Lando Norris.
Bonhams is waiving all charges, which means 100% of proceeds are going to the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal. Funds from the NHS Covid-19 appeal will help support the health and wellbeing of NHS staff and volunteers supporting Covid-19 patients in ways above and beyond which NHS funding can ordinarily provide. The appeal has a target of £100 million.
See also: Travel the World Through Art
Ellie Orton, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “As the nation adjusts to life in lockdown, the commitment of NHS staff and volunteers shouldn’t be far from our minds. These are the people who leave their homes to care for others and work tirelessly in the face of the virus when they’re needed most. It’s easy to feel powerless in these challenging times but this campaign is a way we can make a difference, to look after these heroes so they can give the best care possible in these unprecedented circumstances.”
Patrick Masson, Bonhams Managing Director for the UK and Europe said: “The NHS staff and volunteers are heroes to us all. We at Bonhams are honoured to host this initiative and to donate the skills we have at our auction house to support those who are working so hard for us on the frontline.”
