Christie’s And Maggie’s Announce Partnership For Online Charity Auction

A selection of the world’s leading artists, designers and architects are supporting cancer charity Maggie’s with an online-only auction hosted by Christie’s.

Christie’s is partnering with cancer charity, Maggie’s to present a selection of artworks that have been donated by 48 leading international artists, designers and architects. Maggie’s provides free practical and emotional support to people with cancer as well as their family and friends in centres across the UK as well as by phone, email and online.

The online-only auction will take place from 15-23 July 2020 with proceeds being used for essential funding that will allow Maggie’s to continue its vital work. It will include pieces that have been donated to the charity by Frank Auerbach, David Bailey, Christopher Le Brun, Sonia Boyce, Lucian Freud Estate, Antony Gormley, Lubaina Himid, Michael Craig-Martin, Julian Opie, Bridget Riley, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Mario Testino, Edmund de Waal and Mark Wallinger, amongst others.

The auction will also include donations from Maggie’s international network of architects and designers including Jamie Fobert, Lord Norman Foster, the late Dame Zaha Hadid, Thomas Heatherwick and Daniel Libeskind.

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Untitled [towards Fleeting Moment], an exquisite work on paper by Bridget Riley (1986, estimate: £25,000-35,000) will be offered alongside Frank Auerbach’s Study for Chimney in Mornington Crescent (1987, estimate £12,000-18,000), a recent work on paper by Luc Tuymans titled Clouds (2020, estimate: £30,000-50,000) and Antony Gormley’s PATHOLOGY III (2010, estimate: £45,000-65,000).

An iconic portrait of John Lennon and Paul McCartney by David Bailey taken in 1965 and Sam Taylor-Johnson’s portrait of Dustin Hoffman from her ‘Crying Men’ series (2004) represent the diversity of photography while pieces by Rem Koolhaas and Amanda Levete showcase pioneering architectural practice today.

Further highlights include a limited edition handbag designed for Osprey by Grayson Perry and from the Lucian Freud Estate, an etching titled Four Figures (1991).

The vital work that Maggie’s undertakes to support people with cancer resonates internationally and this is emphasised in the outstanding contributions from leading artists and architects.

As chair of the Maggie’s Art Auction, Katy Wellesley Wesley has worked closely with Sandy Nairne, former Director at the National Portrait Gallery and Chair of Maggie’s Art Group, to bring together this group of artworks.

Sandy Nairne commented: “These donated works are a magnificent response from artists, designers and architects to the vital needs of Maggie’s in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. High-quality architecture and art are at the heart of all the Maggie’s centres, earning them an international reputation as special and much-needed places for those with cancer.

The beautiful works generously donated to the auction represent the light and warmth of the centres and a determination to ensure they can serve everyone who needs them. I am delighted to have worked alongside Maggie’s to invite artists to be part of this special Christie’s auction.”

Laura Lee, Chief Executive, Maggie’s, said: “We know the last few months have been incredibly traumatic for people living with cancer and delays and uncertainty over treatment has contributed to a huge rise in fear, stress and anxiety. We have been
supporting people over the phone, email and on our online community throughout the crisis and our centres are open for people visiting hospitals or by appointment. We have taken over 34,000 requests for support over the lockdown period but now the knock-on effects of the coronavirus on cancer treatment, and the emotional and psychological needs of those living with cancer, looks set to last for a long time.

We are anticipating a spike in the coming months in people coming to our centres in need of our support. All of our services have always been and will continue to be free, however like many charities we are feeling the financial impact of coronavirus. The artists, architects and designers who have donated works will allow us to raise essential funds to continue our vital work and we are heartened by their generosity. We believe everyone should have access to professional psychological and emotional support
to help them live well with cancer. For anyone living with cancer, we are here with you.”

Katharine Arnold, Co-Head of Post-War and Contemporary Art Europe: “Christie’s is honoured to be partnering with Maggie’s, an organisation whose vital activities support those suffering with cancer at a time when it is most needed. The charity has long believed in the potential of art, architecture and design to create a refuge for patients and their families. It is a powerful statement of support that so many great artists have acted generously in donating to this auction. We look forward to showcasing these artworks to a global audience to help Maggie’s achieve much-needed funding.”

Art and design have always been integral to Maggie’s. In each of the centres, carefully selected artworks are chosen to help create a special environment for visitors. Maggie’s is fortunate to collaborate with leading contemporary artists who seek to bring inspiration, solace and hope through the work they create. This creativity and commitment to the therapeutic power of art extend to the programme and the visitors take part in regular art therapy sessions tailored for both adults and children.

Many of the artists contributing to the auction have pieces at Maggie’s Centres across the country including Antony Gormley who has sculptures outside both the Dundee and Cardiff centres. Both Sam Taylor-Johnson and Maggie’s Ambassador, Mary McCartney, have visited centres to photograph the visitors and talk to them about their experiences.

List of Artists, Estates, Foundations, Designers and Architects Contributing to Maggie’s Auction: