Phillips Presents Art For Change: Comic Relief x Phillips

A Selection of Four Works Donated by Contemporary Artists to be Sold on 14 October to Raise Funds for Comic Relief

On 14 October, Phillips, in collaboration with Comic Relief, will present Art For Change: four works generously donated by contemporary artists Michael Armitage, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Caroline Walker that will be offered in Phillips’ 20th Century & Contemporary Art Day Sale in London. These works explore the human condition on an intimate scale through sculpture, drawing, and painting. All of the proceeds from the sale of these works will be donated to Comic Relief to invest in organisations in the UK and across the world, including those that harness the power of the arts for social change. All four works will be exhibited online from 2 October and go on view in Phillips’ galleries at 30 Berkeley Square alongside further auction highlights from 6 to 14 October.  

The four works to be offered at auction are Michael Armitage’s Snake Charmer, 2020 (estimate £20,000-30,000) – the first ever drawing by the artist to be offered at auction; Tracey Emin’s Like an Old Fashioned Time, 2013 (estimate £10,000-15,000); Antony Gormley’s LIFT 5 (MEME) III, 2018 (estimate £60,000-80,000); and Caroline Walker’s Study for Floors, Room 324, 2018 (estimate £5,000-7,000).

Caroline Walker, said, “The subject of my paintings are the lives of women, and often those who are less visible in society because of their personal circumstances or the job they do. When I was approached about Art for Change I was happy to donate a painting as the proceeds will have a direct impact on women and their families living difficult lives in the UK.”

Tamila Kerimova, Head of Phillips’ 20th Century & Contemporary Art Day Sale, said, “We are honoured to present Art For Change, a remarkable partnership with Comic Relief and four incredible contemporary artists to raise funds for extremely worthy causes. The four donated pieces are exceptional examples of the artists’ work and notably Michael Armitage’s Snake Charmer is the first drawing by the artist to be offered at auction. Phillips is delighted to be able to play a part and proud to support this initiative by offering these works in our upcoming Day sale. We look forward to welcoming visitors to view these works online and in person at our galleries on Berkeley Square.”

Samir Patel, Chief Executive, Comic Relief, said, “I’m a firm believer that art has the potential to change the world for the better. Each of the incredible, world-renowned artists donating their work for auction will be helping change the lives of thousands of people across the UK and internationally with the proceeds. Comic Relief has a long history of using popular culture to bring people together, harness social change and do good – and this auction is a first-class example. We are honoured the artists have donated such unique pieces that are sure to attract the attention of many fine art collectors. The money raised will support vital homelessness, domestic abuse and mental health projects. I encourage people to view the works online or in person at the gallery for this once in a lifetime opportunity to own these beautiful contemporary pieces.”

Comic Relief has been funding arts-based projects that are tackling serious issues such as homelessness, domestic abuse and mental health for many years, helping to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities in the UK and across the world. For more information about the work Comic Relief funds, please visit www.comicrelief.com/what-your-money-does

Day Sale: 14 October 2021, 2pm BST

Auction viewing: 6-15 October 2021

Location: 30 Berkeley Square, London, United Kingdom, W1J 6EX

Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/UK010721