Gromit Unleashed auction raises £2 million for Bristol Children's Hospital
This year's event was a grand success for the appeal
Over 50 sculptures from this year's Gromit Unleased trail went under the hammer at Cribbs Causeway, raising £2,000,000.
All proceeds will go to The Grand Appeal, supporting Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital..
The items up for auction included five-foot-tall Gromits to Wallace-adorned benches, dazzling Norbots, mischievous Feathers McGraws and even a framed painting of ‘Feathers with the Pearl Earring.’
Among the highlights, Darth McGraw, Bobby Dazzler, and the framed picture of Bird with a Diamond Earring attracted fierce competition. In order, selling for £70,000, £65,000, and £60,000. Bidders joined from across the UK and around the world, underlining the global appeal of the collection.
Funds raised from Gromit Unleashed 3 will support The Grand Appeal’s ongoing work at Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital, including the building of the UK’s first dedicated Patient Hotel, arts, music and play programmes, pioneering equipment, life-saving research, and accommodation for families in need during their darkest days.
Nicola Masters, director of The Grand Appeal, said: “What an incredible night! To see these much-loved characters go under the hammer and raise such an astonishing amount is truly humbling. We are so grateful to every bidder, sponsor, artist and supporter who made this possible. These funds will make a life-changing difference for sick children and babies cared for at Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael’s Hospital.”
Helena Newman, chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, added: “It was an honour to host such an extraordinary auction, bringing together the creative genius of some of the most iconic names in art, film, music and literature, in partnership with Aardman. Every sculpture was a work of love and imagination, created with the purpose of helping The Grand Appeal in its vital mission.”