LONDON.- Bonhams is teaming up with The Connor Brothers for an exclusive charity auction of 11 new works. Created in celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Big Issue, the duo will offer 11 specially created works as part of Bonhams Prints and Multiples sale on 22 September in Knightsbridge. The works, which include Normal Is The Cruelest of All Insults, and Tell Me Beautiful Untrue Things, have individual estimates of £3,000 - 5,000 (each to be sold with no reserve). All profits will be donated to The Big Issue, UK.
Speaking of the collaboration, The Connor Brothers said: “Coming back into the world, it feels like a lot has changed. One thing we’ve noticed is the high streets are noticeably quieter than they were pre-lockdown. This might be nice for shoppers, but it’s pretty catastrophic for Big Issue vendors, who rely for their income on passers-by buying the magazine.
"For 30 years the Big Issue has provided a ‘hand up, not a hand-out’ by giving homeless and vulnerably housed people the opportunity to sell their magazines to support themselves. For James and I, homelessness is a cause close to our hearts. Having experienced both severe mental health issues and addiction problems, we are very much aware of how easily life can spiral out of control, no matter your background. You might think that being made homeless is something that only happens to others, but, given the perfect storm and without the right support, the lives many of us take for granted can quickly lose their foundations.
"An estimated 70,000 more people will be made homeless as a direct result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re proud to have been invited to collaborate with The Big Issue, a publication we admire, by guest editing their 30th anniversary edition, and pleased to be able to support the magazine by donating the 11 works to be sold at auction. Bonhams has proved to be a generous partner when it comes to working with us on charity fundraising projects, and once again we are thankful for its support.”
Bonhams Director of Print and Multiples, London, Knightsbridge, Carolin von Massenbach, commented: “We are so thrilled to team-up with The Connor Brothers, raising awareness for The Big Issue. As influential figures of the Contemporary Art scene, it is a real pleasure to have their show-stopping works featured in our upcoming Prints & Multiples sale. By auctioning this exclusive selection donated by the artist duo, we are delighted to help raise money for this extremely worthwhile cause. Never has this support been more urgently needed, and so, it is with great pride that we are hosting this auction.”
Prior to the sale Bonhams is hosting an exclusive evening with The Connor Brothers; Founder of The Big Issue, Lord John Bird; and Big Issue Brand Ambassador Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, who once sold the magazine in Newport as a teenager and is now a British fire officer, psychologist and writer. The three will be in a discussion moderated by Professor Green and introduced by Prints & Multiples Director, Carolin von Massenbach. Spaces are strictly limited, and RSVP. Please contact press@bonhams.com for all press enquiries.
