LONDON – Roseberys London has launched an online auction which aims to raise £350,000 to support the charitable efforts of Elephant Haven in establishing Europe’s first elephant sanctuary.
It is estimated that over 600 elephants in Europe are in need of a safe haven. An increasing number of European countries have banned the use of elephants in circuses, but such elephants have nowhere to go. Elephant Haven is seeking to offer these elephants a place in which to retire in peace. A suitable site for the sanctuary has been identified and secured in South of France but the charity is in need of an additional £350,000 in funding in order to make the project a reality.
The 51-lot auction will include works donated by Elephant Family (a charity that protects endangered elephants in Asia) the artists themselves and also by a number of galleries. Pictures in the sale include artwork from illustrator Quentin Blake, sculptor Angela Connor, urban artist Dom Pattinson (whose pieces grace the walls of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, piece donated by Zebra One gallery) and photographer Gitte Meldgaarde – who has donated a photographic print of Dita von Teese. Works from Sir Peter Blake, Paula Rego, Billy Childish, Yoko Ono and Corrine Day are also being offered for sale.
Among the highlights is an acrylic paint and enamel screen print of Marilyn Monroe by one of the world’s most sought after artists, Russell Young. Born in the north of England Young began his career as a photographer in the London music scene before moving to Hollywood and pursuing his career as an artist. Now established as one an internationally acclaimed pop artist, he is best known for his compelling larger than life screen print images from history and popular culture. This piece, donated by Bankrobber Gallery, is painted with liquid gold paint and diamond dust, and is numbered 44 of an edition of 50. The screenprint is estimated at £4,000-6,000.
A selection of four photographs have been donated by acclaimed photographer and artist Kate Garner from Bolt Agency, who has organized the auction together with her agent Meesh Bryant and partners Patron Tequila. Garner initially rose to fame as one third of the 1980s avant-garde band Hasi Fantayzee, but later forged a successful career in arts media. She is well known for her iconic photographs of the singer Sinéad O’Connor and the super model Kate Moss, and has photographed numerous celebrities and models for publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and The Sunday Times. The donated photographs include two prints of the iconic Praed Street photographs of Kate Moss, which are estimated to sell for £2,500-3,000 and one of the singer songwriter David Bowie, estimated at £1,800-2,000.
The celebrities, artists and influential figures involved in the exhibition have all contributed their thoughts on the important issue of elephant welfare. Julian Lennon commented: “I’m interested to see how human consciousness will evolve when freedom and respect for other animals is achieved. Sanctuaries for refugee elephants such as Elephant Haven are the brick and mortar for what is a fundamental rights issue.”
Many of the lots are being sold without reserve and all proceeds from the sale will go directly to Elephant Haven. Many of the lots are being sold without reserve, and all proceeds from the sale will go directly to Elephant Haven. The auction will be held on Tuesday, June 9, at Library, 112 St. Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AZ in partnership with Patron Tequila. It is a ticketed event, and tickets can be purchased by searching for “Elephant Haven Auction” on www.eventbrite.co.uk. The event has been organized by Meesh Bryant and Kate Garner from Bolt Agency, for Elephant Haven, and the catalog can be viewed online at Roseberys website www.roseberys.co.uk.
