AN online charity art auction featuring works from a number of local artists, including Rebecca Davies from Stratton and Katie Childs from Port Isaac, is opening early due to public demand.

The Cornwall Hospice Care fundraiser has attracted more than 100 lots and was due to get underway on March 14. However, interest around a bust of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore and a work by Ken Howard OBE has prompted the healthcare charity to open bidding now.

Among the artists to supply artwork to this worthy venture is Rebecca, who takes great inspiration from the coast near to her Stratton home.

Rebecca created the piece during lockdown to make good use of all the extra time she had on her hands. She is pleased to be able to support this worth while charity with the donation of her painting. She said: “Lockdown has given me so much extra time to spend on my art. I have supported the Cornwall Hospice Care by donating an original painting which was painted in lockdown, simply because painting is what I love to do and I can help with the much needed fundraising, share my artwork and show that I care about the amazing charities that work so hard in Cornwall.”

She added: “My artwork is going in the amazing new project at The Bay view, Widemouth Bay Bude when they re-open.”

Fellow artist, Katie Childs from Port Isaac has also donated a painting to the auction.

She sad: “I’m delighted to be able to donate one of my original paintings to the Cornwall Hospice Care Art Auction. They are a charity very close to my heart, like so many of us across Cornwall. As a family we have no idea how we would have coped without the support, care and knowledge shown to all of us from the moment you and your loved ones step through their doors, and I have been a regular fundraiser over many years to help raise awareness and as much support as possible. 

“I chose my original of ‘Hedgerow Flowers’ as it is a quiet painting evocative of this time of year. One of the many things at Mount Edgcumbe is the stunning garden there, with access for all patients, friends, family and visitors alike to share. It plays such an important part of the care, as the outside really is bought in, giving enormous pleasure to everyone as well as being a quiet place for contemplation and remembrance.”

Katie added: “Hopefully any funds raised from the work in the Auction can enable many more families to benefit hugely from the wonderful care provided by the team at Cornwall Hospice when they need it the most.”

There has been a great response to the auction so far and Cornwall Hospice Care is thrilled to be bringing this event to the public earlier than anticipated.

Event organiser Julie Treneer: “We’ve been delighted at the response and the interest being shown in Penny Lally’s cast bronze bust of Captain Sir Tom Moore.

“We realised we needed to react quickly so the auction site is now live at www.jumblebee.co.uk/chcartauction and will remain so until the closing date of March 21. We’re adding items all the time thanks to the generosity of Cornish artists and our supporters. There’s something for everyone and the suggested sale prices range from £10 to £5,000.”

One of the latest items to be listed is a painting of Portloe by the late Audrey Wheeler donated by her friend Yvonne Fuller from St Mawes. “When I first came to live in Cornwall in 1994, I met Audrey, a wonderful lady who was deeply involved in the founding of Cornwall Hospice Care. She’d been a district nurse based in Portholland, but was originally trained at St Thomas’s in London where she worked throughout the war. While there as a Ward Sister, Cicely Saunders became one of her junior nurses. She sought Audrey’s permission to give extra care to patients nearing the end of their lives, and Audrey, being both kind and intelligent, gave her every encouragement. Cicely Saunders went on to found the Hospice movement and when, years later, she went to receive her Dame hood at Buckingham Palace it was Audrey she invited to accompany her.”

Yvonne continued; “Audrey was also a very accomplished water colour painter whose work received considerable praise from visiting tutors. I own two of her paintings and I think it’s most appropriate that Cornwall Hospice Care has one of them in the auction to help raise funds for the charity’s two hospices.

Another new edition to the charity art auction comes from Tom Leaper who has donated a sculpture entitled ‘The Madonna’ and made of Jesmonite. Tom has lived on the edge of the moors in West Penwith for about 40 years and feels deeply rooted in its landscape and community. His work varies from intimate painting and sculptures to large installations, fountains, landscape design and public projects.

Julie said: “We’re very honoured that Tom has donated The Madonna for our auction. It’s particularly relevant as he was involved with the original design and build of the St Julia’s Hospice garden.”

To find out more visit the charity’s website www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk/events/artauction2021 and to review the lots and to bid visit www.jumblebee.co.uk/chcartauction