Serge Pizzorno, Jamie Hewlett, Pete Doherty, Nicky Wire, Alison Mosshart and Jimmy Caulty among stars auctioning off artwork in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

04 November 2019 - Press release

A unique online auction of artwork created and donated by top musicians including Serge Pizzorno, Jamie Hewlett, Pete Doherty, Nicky Wire, JustineFrischmann, Alison Mosshart and Jimmy Caulty launches today (4 November @ 12pm) at givergy.uk/theartofmusic 

The Art of Music fundraiser is in aid of charity Teenage Cancer Trust and runs until 11 November. The auction also features guest pieces from renowned artists, the Connor Brothers, Billy Childish and Illuminati Neon.  

Among the eclectic collection is a bundle of pieces by Jimmy Caulty including an appropriated police riot shield piece and a painting by Will Sergeant (Echo & The Bunnymen) entitled 'The Soothing Serenade of a Million Clocks Ticking'. 

Other contributing artists include: Graham Coxon (Blur), Laurie Vincent (Slaves) and music industry execs including Mike Smith, Dominic Walker, James White, Fergus Cooper and Mark Fox 

Mike Smith, Managing Director, Warner Chappell Music UK and Teenage Cancer Trust Board Member, whose work is in the auction, adds: "I've been involved in both art and music for a long time, so to be able to harness them both for a charity which I've also worked with over many years is very special.  I hope this auction raises the profile of the musicians' art, but more importantly raises money for the incredible Teenage Cancer Trust." 

Director of Film & TV at Sony Music, Ian Neil and Music documentary-maker and artist Mark Sloper came together to organise the auction. 

Ian Neil said: "Back in March I took my teenage daughter Lily to see Tom Grennan perform at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. She was visibly moved by one of teenagers who came on stage and told their story.  

"I had noticed over time, that some of the artists and colleagues I have had the pleasure of working in the music industry made art in their spare time. I thought it be great to curate an exhibition and have them donate a piece for an auction in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. I had no idea how many artists I would get or what sort of work it would be. I have been overwhelmed by the support and thrilled to see so much great art being made available for such a great cause."    

Every day seven young people aged 13-24 are diagnosed with cancer in the UK. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity providing specialist nursing and emotional support to young people with cancer.  

Kate Collins, Chief Executive at Teenage Cancer Trust, says:   
"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a unique piece of art. We're grateful to all the musicians, artists and industry figures who are backing this incredible auction.   

"Every penny raised will help Teenage Cancer Trust support more young people with cancer with specialist nursing and support when they need it most." 

Emma McAuley, 26, will be attending the gallery launch and speaking at a closing gala dinner on November 11 to celebrate the auction. She was treated on the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at UCLH after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 24.  

She said: "I started off under an adult clinic. I was the youngest by far, I felt isolated. Luckily, a Youth Support Coordinator from Teenage Cancer Trust told me that I could be treated up on the Teenage Cancer Trust unit. It made the whole experience a lot easier than it could have been and I felt young again.  

"During one session of chemo I had just had enough. The nurse was trying to connect my chemo to my PICC line, I started crying. She stopped what she was doing and gave me a hug. It's things like that that made me feel like a person, not just a patient."   

The money raised from Art of Music will go on to help more young people with cancer, like Emma, to access specialist support. Teenage Cancer Trust funds 28 specialist units across the UK, like the one Emma was treated on in London.  

The start of the auction kicks off with a gallery launch night at the Union Private Members Club in Soho, it will then continue to run online at givergy.uk/theartofmusic for a week before a closing gala dinner on Monday 11th November.