During the ‘Evelina Art for Allergy x Dine on the Line’ evening, Rolls-Royce Patrons raised a staggering £1.7M for charity.
For centuries the aristocrats of Europe lived by the code Noblesse Oblige, which historically meant that nobility had obligations to give to those in need. Although the aristos of the world no longer have the only seats at the table of influence, it seems that the spirit of Noblesse Oblige is very much well and alive.
Recently the home of luxury motor giant Rolls-Royce opened its doors and welcomed a very select group of patrons and supporters for a wonderful evening of giving back. The Dine On The Line Event event started with British artist Jonathan Huxley creating a new artwork during the welcoming cocktail reception.
Jonathan Huxley creating a new artwork live at the event
Following this, guests were treated to see media artist Refik Anadol’s, commissioned for the Rolls-Royce Art Programme, new work entitled Art of Perfection: Data Painting.
Anadol’s unique work of digital art used data sets relating to the colour of every Rolls-Royce motor car created over the last ten years.
Once guests settled inside, the event was well underway and started with an immersive dining experience dishing up some of the most incredible food around. The menu was created and carefully curated by world-renowned chef, Giorgio Locatelli.
Then the real reason for the evening started. The auction! Led by globally acknowledged art auctioneer Simon de Pury, the event saw art world cognoscenti and Rolls-Royce collectors outbid each other for a great cause.
Works by some of the world’s most sought-after artists included pieces by British artists Jake & Dinos Chapman, David Yarrow, Harland Miller and Mary McCartney and enjoyed some serious bidding. But, the big lot was what everyone was truly waiting for. What was it you may ask? Well, it was a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a collaboration between Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and world-renowned artist Marc Quinn.
From the moment the car went on offer, the bids started flying at such a rapid rate that the higher the price rose so did the crowds appreciation. By the time the winning bid was announced at a staggering £888k, the crowd was roaring with applause. The winner of the bid is not only a fan of the car but continued bidding to help the cause and ended up bidding well over £1 million in total during the course of the evening.
Simon de Pury Marc Quinn and Simon de Pury
The main bid, however, will see him receive a truly incredible piece. Mark Quinn will now create a bespoke artwork featuring the iris of the winning bidder’s daughter, using Rolls-Royce Phantom as his canvas. Talk about personalization!
Commenting on the sale, Rolls-Royce’s Chief Executive, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, commented “Rolls-Royce is deeply privileged to have worked with Evelina London on this exceptional event. We are thrilled that Marc Quinn’s artwork, using Phantom as the canvas, raised a fabulous £888,000 and are humbled that nearly £2million was raised in total throughout the evening for this centre of medical excellence in London.”
All of the proceeds raised during the Dine On The Line event will go toward allergy research at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Commenting on the contribution this will bring to the research Professor Gideon Lack from Evelina London stated: “The generous donations from the Art for Allergy event will make a dramatic difference to our research programme and to our mission to prevent allergies, to protect against allergies, and to ultimately cure allergies in children.”
The professor continued: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and event co-chairs Kate Storey and Marc Quinn for providing us with a fantastic platform to highlight the importance of our research and raise these significant funds. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of the guests, contributing artists and auction prize donors, without whom this achievement would not have been possible.”
Wol Kolade and guest Torsten Muller-Otvos and Jonathan Huxley Marc Quinn Kate Storey Refik Anadol and Efsun Erkilic
Following the auction and dinner, guests were treated to a musical performance by singer-songwriter John Newman. Following his set, DJ Fat Tony ended the evening on the decks.
John Newman
Images: Getty Images
