Bonhams is backing the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal with an auction of generous pledges from leading artists, musicians and sportspeople. It includes money-can’t-buy experiences and runs for three weeks. Read the official release below for more information.
Always wanted to have a sing-a-long with Jools Holland? Or lunch at Claridge’s with Joan Collins? These are some of the pledges in Bonhams’ not-for-profit digital auction that have been generously donated by the UK’s leading actors, musicians, artists and sportspeople in aid of the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.
The auction will be hosted at bonhams.com and run for three weeks from Wednesday 8th April until Wednesday 29th April. Bids can be made by going to bids@bonhams.com or calling us on +44 (0) 20 7447 7447. All lots will be available to view online at bonhams.com/theblueauction.
Among the generous donations are:
• Artworks by Anish Kapoor, Julian Opie, The Connor Brothers, and a visit to Grayson Perry’s studio
• A behind-the-scenes tour by BAFTA award-winning actress Imelda Staunton
• Joining Jools Holland for drinks behind the scenes at one of his forthcoming shows
• Lunch at Claridge’s with international film star Dame Joan Collins and a supporting cast of her husband, Percy Gibson and national treasure, Christopher Biggins
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.
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.”
About the Covid-19 Urgent Appeal
The NHS Charities Together Urgent Appeal acknowledges and supports NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients. It has been put together in liaison with NHS England and national bodies, our member NHS charities and national giving platforms. Click here to donate.
