Heritage's Doodle for Hunger sees celebrity sketches raise vital funds

The Heritage Auctions Doodle for Hunger sale featured Helen Gurley Brown's effort as joint top lot

The Doodle for Hunger sale at Heritage Auctions saw a range of celebrity artworks sell on August 19, with recently deceased author and Cosmopolitan editor Helen Gurley Brown's effort achieving the highest bids.

The sketch was auctioned just days after the author's death on August 13

The auction was held to raise vital funds for the St Francis Food Pantries and Shelters, which was established to "alleviate the physical and emotional hunger of the poor and needy in a dignified and supportive manner". The organisation supports a network of charities that provide a broad range of services to those in need, including the provision of food, clothing and shelter. $6,826 was raised for the cause.

The charmingly child-like sketch from Helen Gurley Brown was auctioned just days after her death at the age of 90 on August 13. Created using conte crayon and ink on paper, the drawing featured a bold signature from the feminist hero at the bottom left and sold for $300, a final sale price shared by just one other celebrity doodle.

That sketch came from Philippe Starck, the noted French interior designer famed for his creation of the alien-like juicer, which has since been dubbed the Juicy Salif. Starck displayed his artistic talents well in the sale, with a colourful surrealist piece that far surpassed the contributions of most celebrities and supplied yet more valuable funding for the charity.

More impressive efforts came from Brat Pack actor Judd Nelson, who submitted a Jackson Pollock inspired piece that sold for $160, and US actor and singer Jim Nabors, whose jigsaw-piece self portrait made $180.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has some hilarious celebrity sketches for sale, which provide a unique addition to any collection. Among the works on offer is a self-portrait from U2 frontman Bono, a brief caricature from Ronnie Wood and a bizarre creation from John Lennon, all of which are complimented by crisp autographs.

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Images: Heritage Auctions