A CHARITY art auction and exhibition held in aid of St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne has raised an incredible £16,000 to support the hospice’s vital work.
The event, titled Art at the Hospice, culminated last night (16th October) with a live auction hosted by legendary broadcaster David Dimbleby, who lives near Polegate, and also generously donated one of his own artworks to the sale.
The fundraiser featured an online auction of paintings, ceramics and photography, alongside an art exhibition in the hospice’s Street Café on Broadwater Way. A raffle ran alongside the auction, with the top prize offering the chance to learn to paint with renowned artist Catriona Millar, who donated the experience herself.
Artworks displayed around the hospice included pieces by both established and emerging artists, among them Catriona Millar, Mali Morris RA, Haydn Cottam (winner of the inaugural BP Portrait Travel Award), Deborah Macmillan, and Victoria Threlfall.
One of the highlights of the auction was the opportunity to bid for a portrait by Chelsea Renton, including a visit to her Lewes studio for a sitting, as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Towner Gallery, followed by lunch at Light.
Pam Russell, Fundraising Director at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that the event raised £16,000 – enough to fund an average stay for a patient on our Inpatient Unit. Every raffle ticket purchased and every bid placed makes a real difference to the care we can offer patients and their families.”
She added her thanks to all the artists who donated their work and to the event’s sponsors, Eastbourne Gardens Care Home, Avery Collection, for their support.
St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides high-quality care and support for people across Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield and surrounding areas who are living with life-limiting illnesses.
