Face Britain charity art auction offers collectors celebrity self-portraits

Self-portraits by some of Britain's most popular artists and celebrities will be auctioned to raise money for charity as part of the ongoing Face Britain project.

Works by Tracey Emin, Quentin Blake and Gerald Scarfe are among the names from the art scene who are producing works for the project, reports Art Daily.

Proceeds from the auction will go towards the Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts - the Prince Charles-headed organisation behind Face Britain.

Children between the ages of four and 16 are being encouraged to submit their self-portraits to the project.

Thousands have been received so far. The works will be displayed on the front of Buckingham Palace in London during the spring to help celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Prince Charles commented: "I am delighted that my Foundation for Children and the Arts is to invite all children and young people in the United Kingdom to engage actively in the art of self-portraiture and to participate in Face Britain."

As well as artists, a number of celebrities will also be adding their self-portraits to the gallery, including footballer David James, actor Alan Rickman and Roxy Music musicians Brian Ferry and Brian Eno.

A small selection of these portraits will be auctioned by Christie's at a live auction event in May 2012 with the majority of celebrity and sporting portraits auctioned simultaneously online via eBay. Both Christie's and eBay are included in the list of official supporters of Face Britain. All proceeds from the live and online auction will be donated in their entirety to The Prince's Foundation.

On a separate note, here at Paul Fraser Collectibles we have long been advocates of the fast growing 'Signature Art' market having guided clients towards works of Johhny Depp, Rolf Harris and Ronnie Wood in the past 12 months.

In our view celebrity self-portraits offer an opportunity for collectors to own a uniquely personal piece of memorabilia. The works often provide a fascinating insight into how the stars view themselves.


Paul Fraser Collectibles currently have a self-portrait by U2 frontman Bono available for sale.

The 8.25" x 11.75" piece of "signature art" has been autographed by Bono and is priced at £995.


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