‘Saving the Elephants’
A charity auction of art from some of the world’s leading creatives will take place tonight in honour of Elephant Haven. It’s aim is to raise £350,000 to establish the world’s first European elephant sanctuary.
Over 600 elephants in Europe are in need of a safe haven. Over the years the number of countries that have banned the use of elephants in circuses is rising, but one problem remains unsolved: the elephants have nowhere to go. This is what Elephant Haven aims to tackle by making sure that elephants have a safe place to retire.
The charity has recently found a perfect place for the sanctuary, in the South of France, but in order to resolve the elephants dilemma the project the association will need £350,000 in funding.
The full list of lots were announced on the 12th May, and will remain online until the live auction (9th June) at Library in Covent Garden. The online auction starts with reserve prices starting from £100 sitting alongside big ticket items including two original 1990 photograph prints of Kate Moss By Kate Garner, a Russell Young screen print of Marilyn Monroe adorned with Diamond dust, an Anita Klein original, and a print from Julian Lennon.
Roseberys London will manage the auction itself, with lots that reflect the worlds of art, fashion, music and design. Other pieces presented during the auction have been donated by Elephant Family, a charity that protects endangered elephants in Asia. Other artworks include work from fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, illustrator Quentin Blake, fine artist Sir Peter Blake, sculptor Angela Connor, urban artist Dom Pattinson and many many more.
“I’m interested to see how human consciousness will evolve when freedom and respect for other animals is achieved. Sanctuaries for refugee elephants such as Elephant Haven are the brick and mortar for what is a fundamental rights issue.” – Julian Lennon
Preserving elephants and their way of life for centuries to come is a indeed a worthy cause.
Cover picture: Patti Smith, I Saw Elephants
Pictured, top to bottom: Angela Conner, Gone; Patti Smith, I Saw Elephants (cover); Corinne Day, Kate Moss Nude; Yoko Ono, Ask the Clouds to Remember; Julian Lennon, Cotton Cloud; Jewellery from Dinny Hall.
