World Famous Animators Auction off Artwork for Charity
From the 1st to 10th of November, animation fans will have the unique opportunity to bid for artwork from some of the biggest names in the animation world, in a special charity auction in aid of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal.
This is the first auction to bring together a collection of original and rare pieces from some of the biggest talents in the animation industry. From the Godfather of animation, Ray Harryhausen, to Aardman plasticine pushers, Nick Park and Peter Lord; from Pixar giants John Lesseter and Pete Docter, to Simon Tofield and his YouTube celebrity cat – there’s something in this auction to make all types of animation fan part with their cash.
Nick Park, patron of The Grand Appeal said: “I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of artist and animation friends from around the world who have kindly created and donated such beautiful pieces of signed artwork in support of the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal Animated Art Auction. This is a fantastic opportunity for animation fans, and the public alike, to acquire art and animation treasures so rarely seen at auction. I’m quite tempted by a few of the pieces myself!”
To find out more about the charity behind this exciting auction, we caught up with Lauren Vincent, Fundraising and Events Manager at the Grand Appeal, to find out more….
Could you tell us a bit about the Grand Appeal and its aims as a charity?
“Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal is the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity and fundraises to provide comforts and facilities for patients and their families whilst in hospital. Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provide world-class care to babies and children from Bristol, the South West of England and in some cases the whole of the UK and overseas. The charity was founded over 15 years ago and has raised more than £18million to date to support sick children and babies by providing an arts programme and music therapy, state of the art medical equipment and family accommodation.
How much are you aiming to raise, and what do you plan to do with the final funds?
“We hope that the auction will raise £15,000 towards our Cardiac Appeal to support children from all over the South West with heart conditions. The funds raised will greatly support the Children’s Hospital by helping to purchase a state of the art Echocardiogram scanner that can detect life threatening heart defects and reduce the need for invasive surgery. The funds will also help us provide a child friendly environment with comforts.”
And one final tricky question, do you have a favourite piece in the auction?
“They are all amazing, we really couldn’t choose! We feel so grateful that world renowned artists and animators have donated their time and talent to help us raise funds and I would personally love to own them all! I do have a feeling Nick’s Wallace & Feathers painting is going to do rather well though….”
With bids already flying in, we think Lauren may be right! The Grand Appeal animation auction is open for bids until November 10th. Visit the charity’s eBay page for full listings and get ready to max out that credit card!