Today, an online auction launches which aims to raise £350,000 to support the charitable efforts of ‘Elephant Haven’ in establishing Europe’s first elephant sanctuary.
It is estimated that over 600 elephants in Europe are in need of a safe haven. An increasing number of European countries have banned the use of elephants in circuses, but such elephants have nowhere to go. Elephant Haven are seeking to offer these elephants a place in which to retire in peace. A suitable site for the sanctuary has been identified and secured in South of France but the charity is in need of an additional £350,000 in funding in order to make the project a reality.
Pieces for the auction, which will be managed by Rosebery’s, reflect the worlds of art, fashion, music and design and have been kindly donated by Elephant Family (a charity that protects endangered elephants in Asia) the artists themselves and also by a number of galleries. Pieces include artworks from illustrator Quentin Blake, sculptor Angela Connor, urban artist Dom Pattinson (whose pieces grace the walls of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, piece donated by Zebra One gallery) and photographer Gitte Meldgaarde – who has donated a sensual photographic print of Dita von Teese. Also on the lot are works from fashion icons such as Dame Vivienne Westwood, Stephen Jones and Dinny Hall, in addition to items from Sir Peter Blake, Polly Morgan, Billy Childish, Patti Smith and Corrine Day.
The online auction is uniquely accessible, with some reserve prices starting at just £100 sitting alongside big ticket items including two original 1990 photograph prints of Kate Moss by Kate Garner, a Russell Young screen print of Marilyn Monroe adorned with diamond dust (kindly donated by Bankrobber Gallery) an Anita Klein original, an ink on paper work from Yoko Ono, and a print from Julian Lennon.
The celebrities, artists and influential figures involved in the exhibition have all contributed their thoughts on the important issue of elephant welfare. Julian Lennon commented, “I’m interested to see how human consciousness will evolve when freedom and respect for other animals is achieved. Sanctuaries for refugee elephants such as Elephant Haven are the brick and mortar for what is a fundamental rights issue.”
