Unique art goes up for auction at Thainstone in aid of Maggie's Aberdeen
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Maggie’s Aberdeen is hoping national bidders show some love for exclusive pieces of art at the forthcoming Valentine’s Ball.
Three unique pieces of art are set to go under the hammer at an open online auction, as the fundraising team from the Inverurie area look to raise thousands of pounds at its Valentine’s Ball at the Thainstone Exchange, Inverurie, this coming Saturday.
Among the collection is a one-off life-size bronze sculpture of a red deer stag and hind by acclaimed sculptor David Meredith, which has a gallery value in excess of £60,000.
They really need to be seen to be believed and are available for viewing at the Thainstone Exchange from Thursday. The stunning piece will be accompanied at the online auction by exceptional paintings from internationally acclaimed artists, Iain Faulkner and Glenn Scouller, which are hoped to sell for over £15,000 each.
The bidding will take place on the Thainstone online auction platform provided by ANM Group. Bidders are encouraged to visit the ANM website to submit a pre-bid prior to Saturday’s event.
The online auction will start with reserve prices of £10,000 for the paintings and £35,000 for the life-size sculptures. So, a successful bidder may walk away with a bargain that they wouldn’t get in a gallery.
All three pieces have been specially commissioned for the fundraiser, and were curated by David Reid of Ballater Gallery.
It is hoped by opening the exclusive auction up to online bidders, the works of art will help the charity raise additional money for people diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families in the north and north-east of Scotland.
Pat Machray, Chairman of the Thainstone based fundraising committee, said: “All three pieces of work are spectacular and will certainly be a stunning addition to any workplace or home.
"It would not have been possible to have these items were it not for the generous contributions from the artists themselves and David Reid at Ballater Gallery, who has gone to great lengths to coordinate the extraordinary art auction.
Pat continued: “We are excited about this event for this important charity.
"This is the second time we have held a ball at Thainstone Exchange for Maggie’s.
"I have long admired the support Maggie’s offers to people impacted by cancer.
"I believe the charity itself is underrepresented outside of Aberdeen and we hope this ball, largely supported by the Aberdeenshire community, and the national online auction will get them the recognition and continued support they deserve.
“My thanks extend beyond my committee, as I would like to thank each of our table hosts, every one of our sponsors and, our auction and silent auction doners.
"This event would just not happen without their generosity.”
Ian Ord, Chairman of Maggie’s Aberdeen stated: “We are incredibly grateful to Pat Machray, Avril McLeod and the rest of the committee for their tireless efforts for pulling this event together.
"I am so looking forward to it.”
Ian continued: “It is set to be a great evening with performances lined up from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, MacTa, Robert Lovie and Raemond Jappy.
"In the current economic climate, events like this are more important than ever, and with a sell-out audience, I am sure it will be a night to remember for everyone.”
As well as the opportunity to bid on the specially commissioned pieces of art, the guests will be able to bid on a variety of other prizes including a trip for 10 to Ladies Day at Perth Races, a round of golf with former Open winner Paul Lawrie and a gourmet taste tour on Aberdeen FC’s first team bus with Kilted Chef Craig Wilson.
The in-person auction will take place early in the evening before the online audience can participate in the online auction for the wonderful pieces of art 11:00pm.
Visit https://charity.thainstoneonline.co.uk/auctions/catalog/id/846 for further details on the online auction.
