Bentley knows how to put their talents and resources to good use and for the night they showcased it, they were able to raise £70,000 for the Christie cancer hospital in Manchester.
Showcasing artworks done by the men and women of Bentley’s design and styling team, the invitation-only gala auction drew over 300 guests all bidding for a chance to win one of the artworks and, at the same time, give their contributions to the Christie cancer hospital.
Among the artworks available for auction included sculptures, paintings, photographs, and digital art, all of which were made by the same in-house team responsible for the design and creation of a few of Bentley’s notable cars including the Continental GT and the all-new 2011 Mulsanne.
The collection included a vast array of sculptures, painting, digital art and photography all created by Bentley’s in-house design team, who are better known for the creation of iconic cars such as the Continental GT and the new Bentley Mulsanne.
In the end, the gala turned out to be a successful one with the event raising over £70,000 for the hospital
“It is a pleasure and a source of great pride to see the creativity of our design team applied beyond our motor cars,” said Dr. Franz-Joseph Paefgen, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley. “This artistic skill is rarely seen outside the design studio so this unique collection has provided Bentley enthusiasts with the opportunity to own a real piece of Bentley design history.”
The auction was conducted by James Knight, international managing director of Collectors Cars at Bonhams.
‘Design is our passion. This is our Art’
Bentley Styling and Design Art Project raises £70,000 for The Christie cancer hospital in Manchester.
London, 2nd December 2009
An invitation-only gala auction of artworks by the men and women of Bentley’s design and styling team last night raised more than £70,000 for The Christie cancer hospital in Manchester.
Bonhams the auctioneer donated its premises and services in Bond St, London, to host this exclusive event for over 300 guests. The auction was conducted by James Knight, international managing director of Collectors Cars at Bonhams.
The Bentley Styling and Design Art Project was the brainchild of Bentley designer Rich Gilmartin who has been supported by enthusiastic colleagues in the styling studio all of whom have been showcasing their artistic talents. Rich has now raised over £100,000 for the Christie since 2001 in recognition of the care given to his mother by staff at the hospital when she was suffering from cancer.
The collection included a vast array of sculptures, painting, digital art and photography all created by Bentley’s in-house design team, who are better known for the creation of iconic cars such as the Continental GT and the new Bentley Mulsanne.
A mixture of live bidding and silent auction attracted tremendous interest from Bentley owners and enthusiasts both in the UK and abroad. Fierce but good-natured bidding drove up the price of many pieces beyond that expected by the artists themselves. One sculpture alone raised over £20,000 for the Christie.
Dr Paefgen, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley said:
“It is a pleasure and a source of great pride to see the creativity of our design team applied beyond our motor cars. This artistic skill is rarely seen outside the design studio so this unique collection has provided Bentley enthusiasts with the opportunity to own a real piece of Bentley design history.”
Christine Gaskell, Member of the Board for Personnel said:
“The Christie is the leading centre for cancer research and treatment in the northwest of England and has touched the lives of many Bentley employees. Everyone at Bentley welcomed the opportunity to support this project and we have been overwhelmed by the interest in the collection.”
Toni Leden, Appeals Director at the Christie said:
“The dedication and inspiration of the Bentley design and styling team has resulted in a stunning contribution to the work we do in cancer research and treatment. The collaboration with Bentley has been very successful and we are thrilled that the art works have raised so much money to support the Christie.”
Rich Gilmartin, the designer from whom the concept originated, said:
“The Christie cared for my mother during her illness and I was truly inspired by the care and empathy shown to her by staff at the hospital. Because I was there at the time my connection to the hospital goes very deep and this project has been a very good, positive step to go forward and do something different.”
About Bentley
Bentley Motors is a world-famous manufacturer of luxury high performance cars.
Bentley cars are designed and built in Crewe, England, by engineers and craftsmen who combine the very latest manufacturing technology with traditional craftsmanship. They represent the pinnacle of British motoring, blending power and performance with understated luxury.
www.bentleymotors.com
About the Christie
The Christie is a specialist cancer centre in Manchester that treats 40,000 patients a year. It is currently building the largest early clinical trials unit in the world that will further enhance its reputation for international research. The Christie Charity helps fund cancer research, cutting edge treatments, major new developments and extra patient services that fall outside the remit of NHS funding. These include complementary therapies, counselling and creative projects such as art and music therapy. Together they enable patients to take charge of their illness and them to work towards their recovery.
www.bonhams.com
For more information please contact Julia Marozzi Bentley, on 0778 998 8258
Or email Julia.Marozzi@Bentley.co.uk