Charity art auction raises £10,000 for Birmingham Hippodrome youth programme

Charity art auction raises £10,000 for Birmingham Hippodrome youth programme

AN auction of contemporary artwork by a Birmingham based artist has raised more than £10,000 for Birmingham Hippodrome’s work with young people.

The event took place on Tuesday, March 12, at The Grand Hotel Birmingham and was sponsored by Bentley Birmingham and Heligan Group, the financial advisory and investment firm.

The auctioned artworks were by British-Italian Birmingham-based contemporary artist Charles Pedone, who is lauded for expanding artistic boundaries through his inventive use of textured foundations, iridescent colourways, metallics and polished resin.

Lichfield auctioneer Richard Winterton conducted the auction and funds raised will directly support Birmingham Hippodrome’s Youth Programme.

From left: Richard Winterton, auction host broadcaster Nikki Tapper and artist Charles Pedone.

Celebrating their 125th anniversary year, the theatre and independent charity has set out an ambitious commitment to providing exceptional arts experiences and opportunities across theatre and dance for young people from underserved communities in Birmingham and the Black Country as part of its five year strategic plan.

Under the hammer were pieces including ‘Harmony’, which has been on display since January in the Madeleine bar at The Grand, and another named ‘Black Space’ — the chance for a bespoke commission by the artist.

Auctioneer Richard Winterton conducting the auction at The Grand Hotel Birmingham, assisted by Emma Thompson from the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Johan Scheepers, general manager of The Grand Hotel Birmingham, said: “We’re delighted that this initiative has raised such a fantastic sum for the important work the Hippodrome does within our community.

“We’re equally pleased to say that some of Charles Pedone’s pieces, which have been specially commissioned for The Grand, will remain on display at the hotel as an extension of our collection of contemporary art by Birmingham and West Midlands based creatives.

“We’d love to invite our local community to book a table in Madeleine and enjoy what we have on display.”

Richard Winterton with artist Charles Pedone.

Charles Pedone said: “It’s a privilege to use my creativity to support the Hippodrome’s inspiring work, and whilst it’s always nerve-wracking to go to auction, it’s a brilliant way to raise funds, so I’m very pleased we’ve achieved such a fantastic result.”

Judith Greenburgh, head of fundraising and development at Birmingham Hippodrome, added: “We’re grateful to all those who helped make this event a success — it’s been a fantastic team effort that has achieved such a brilliant sum that will go directly to providing more underserved communities in Birmingham and the Black Country with access to theatre and dance experiences.”