Sophie’s Postcard 2024 – School art auction raises over £100,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Celebrities, artists, pupils and the general public donated 2,146 pieces of unique artwork that were auctioned on eBay for 10 days in June 2024.

Since 2018, St Richard’s Catholic College has held the secret art auction every two years  to fundraise for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in memory of former pupil, Sophie Maria Taylor who loved art.

Secret postcards were created and donated by some incredible artists and celebrities including: Billy Childish, Bob & Roberta Smith, Curtis Holder, Dame Prue Leith, Ed Fairburn, Fearne Cotton, Gilbert & George, Joe Lycett, Jen Orpin, Korky Paul, Lorraine Kelly, Loui Jover, Mark Curryer, Matthew Lyons, Michael Riddle, My Dog Sighs, Nelly Edwards, Peter Dennis, Rev. Richard Cole, Richard Spare, Russell Herron, Sarah Graham, Susanne du Toit, Susie Hamilton, The Cameron Twins, The London Police, The Postman, Thomas Taylor, Trust Icon, Will Rochfort, Yeside Linney and many many more! 

The list of contributors was available on sophiespostcard.com before the auction but the work was kept anonymous. Buyers will find out who created their amazing postcards now that the auction is over, and this will also be published on sophiespostcard.com

Art teacher and organiser, Miranda Pennington said, “Thanks to all the incredible artists and all the bidders, this year’s Sophie’s Postcard was the best yet. So many wonderful artists donated artwork for this special fundraiser in Sophie’s memory and I am astounded by the amount raised. I was hoping to raise £30,000 this year, however, on the final day of the auction, I realised that it was going to be above £70,000 and could not believe it when the figure kept rising to over £100,000! This is an absolutely staggering amount for a very worthy cause!”

The money raised from this year’s auction is added to the £82,500 already raised since the project started in 2018 and this money will make a real difference, helping to fund world-leading research to improve the lives of young cancer patients.

Famous children’s author and illustrator, Thomas Taylor,  has contributed to all of the four auctions, and his pieces are always highly sought after. His amazing artwork ‘Wizards’ raised a staggering £4177.77 and a wonderful illustration by the artist, Ed Fairburn, made £2250.

The artwork from St Richard’s staff and pupils was really successful in the auction including that of  Year  10 pupil, Isla, whose amazing oil portrait raised £76; Year 11 pupil, Renisse, who created 50 works for the auction which raised an astonishing £862, and Art teacher, Mr Peachment, whose wonderful painting of Clifton Suspension Bridge was sold for £327 All the contributions helped to raise such a phenomenal amount for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Sophie’s parents, James & Luiza Taylor said, “We continue to be amazed at the incredible support given by artists and enthusiastic people all over the world, and are so thankful to everyone who has helped us keep Sophie’s memory alive in a very special way.

When Sophie was having her treatment, she found great solace in art activities at both the Royal Marsden and St Richard’s, and we are sure she would be very proud of everyone involved. We find great comfort in the knowledge that this auction is directly helping the Royal Marsden support other young people in their fight against cancer.”  

Contact Miranda Pennington 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: +44 (0)1424 731070 Mobile: 07751 011935

• A 200 page catalogue with every artist and artwork listed is  available on eBay
• Postcards can be seen in the online exhibition at www.sophiespostcard.com 
• High resolution images are available of all postcards
• Social media links
  • @sophiessecretpostcard on Instagram
  • @strichardsart on X/Twitter
  • #sophiespostcard .

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