Live Benefit Auction 2019

20 leading artists donate artwork to celebrate the 20th anniversary of national charity, Willow
Live auction of artwork to be hosted by BBC Radio 4’s John Wilson

Willow, a national charity helping seriously ill young adults, founded by Arsenal legend Bob Wilson, announces ‘The Extraordinary Collection’ – a new auction and exhibition to coincide with the charity’s 20th anniversary. The exhibition will include original artwork by 20 highly acclaimed artists including Sir Antony Gormley, Gavin Turk, Mark Wallinger and Rankin, which will be showcased at Coutts, London from 23rd-27th September, with a live auction and artists’ Q&As hosted by BBC Radio 4’s John Wilson (son of Bob Wilson) on 25th September.

All works featured in The Extraordinary Collection, supported by the UK’s leading private bank, Coutts, will be auctioned in aid of Willow – the only national charity working with seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days. This year Willow also marks its 20th anniversary and, to date, has provided more than 16,500 Special Days to young adults living with a range of life threatening conditions including cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease.

Bob Wilson, Arsenal legend and Willow Co-Founder and Life President, says: “We anticipate The Extraordinary Collection to be a momentous achievement in fundraising for Willow, and we are so grateful to each and every artist for their contribution. By choosing to support us, they are helping to fulfil many more Special Days for young adults living with serious illnesses.”

Also commenting Sam Bedlow, Chair of the Coutts Art Forum said: “We are very proud to support the important work Willow does to improve the lives of those living with a terminal illness. It’s our pleasure to share a network with Willow, as we have a long history of supporting artists, dealers and gallerists in achieving their financial goals. We look forward to the auction and showcasing the works of some hugely successful artists in our Garden Court.”

Public exhibition (by appointment only), 23 to 27 Sep, 8am to 5pm, The Atrium
Two cultivation events – 9 Sept. & 23 Sept. (lunch) with artists & John Wilson (Willow Trustee, BBC Radio 4’s Front Row, and son of the Wilsons)

Auction event including a Q&A with artists, hosted by John Wilson – 25 Sept. 2019 – 6 to 9pm
Auctioneer – Rebecca Tooby-Desmond (Editions Specialist & Auctioneer at Phillips)

The full artist line up, including several Turner Prize winners, are:
Dan Baldwin, The Connor Brothers, Katrin Fridriks, Sir Antony Gormley, Rachel Howard, Patrick Hughes, Chantal Joffe, Idris Khan, Haroon Mirza, Alexander Newley, Grayson Perry, Lena Peters, Rankin, Issa Salliander, Conrad Shawcross, Bradley Theodore, Gavin Turk, Henrik Uldalen, Mark Wallinger, Jonathan Yeo

Katrin Fridriks – Lot 18
Stargate Opener – Interstellar Awakening Transition, 2018
100 x 100 +10cm
Acrylic on canvas; signed and dated on the reverse

Guide price: £10,000 – £15,000

Place bid on Artsy

Fridriks’ artwork and all other works can be also viewed here