Now We Are Ten
The Campaign for Drawing’s 10th Anniversary Exhibition & Auction
8th September - 20th September 2009
Unique work by some of the UK’s best-known and up-and-coming artists, illustrators and cartoonists are to be shown together for the first time at the Idea Generation Gallery as The Campaign for Drawing assembles artworks made in its name since 2000.
Sixty new works have been donated for the exhibition and its auction finale by top ‘drawers’, such as Campaign Patrons Quentin Blake, Lord Foster, Gerald Scarfe and Posy Simmonds and many other exceptional artists including John Bellany, Paula Rego and Chris Orr. The centrepiece will be twelve vast drawings created at flagship Big Draw events during The Campaign’s first nine years, and twelve banners satirising - and often predicting - Britain’s political and social history of the times, created by renowned cartoonists such as Steve Bell, Dave Brown and Martin Rowson. The tenth annual Battle of the Cartoonists, drawing workshops and the auction of the decade will add an exciting live dimension to this inimitable charity exhibition.
Since The Campaign for Drawing’s inception in 2000, it has won acclaim throughout the UK and beyond for raising the profile of drawing - as a tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement. Every October its flagship event - The Big Draw – connects generations and communities, showing that drawing is an enjoyable public activity as well as a private passion.
The annual Big Draw (1-31 October) is supported by the UK’s drawing elite of designers, artists, illustrators and cartoonists, who have participated in the Campaign’s series of national events at locations from Trafalgar Square to The British Museum. Now We Are Ten offers a unique insight into The Campaign’s collection of incredible artwork and gives visitors the chance to own a piece of history – from large scale satirical banners to individual doodles.
Sue Grayson Ford, Campaign for Drawing Director says, “After ten hugely successful years, it seems only right to show off the fantastic work The Campaign has generated. We hope this exhibition and generous support from artists, potential buyers and loyal supporters will secure the Campaign’s programmes for at least the next ten years.”
Eloise Rowley, Idea Generation Gallery Manager: “Drawing is art in its simplest form and is accessible to everyone. Through this exhibition we hope to engage with the local community, schools, businesses and art lovers to encourage everyone to draw.”
Live ‘Battle of the Cartoonists 2009
With commentary by renowned broadcaster and political historian Andrew Marr, the 2009 ‘Battle of the Cartoonists’ will take place on 12th September. The event will see the UK’s best-loved cartoonists from The Independent, The Sun and Private Eye as well as members of the Professional Cartoonists Organisation, compete in a public display of sharp wits and pencils. The teams will be asked to create colourful banners based on a topical theme, with spectators casting the final vote to crown the winning team. Gallery visitors can join in free caricaturing and cartooning workshops throughout the afternoon.
Auction of the Decade
17th September sees the auction of work from the exhibition, including new drawings and prints contributed by the Campaign’s high profile friends and supporters. Unique items by eminent RAs such as Chris Orr and Norman Ackroyd, and illustrators like Daisy de Villeneuve and Korky Paul, will go under the hammer with artwork by Campaign patrons Quentin Blake, Andrew Marr, Gerald Scarfe and Posy Simmonds. Included in the auction will be 10 works donated by the Central Illustration Agency, including a piece by the agency’s founder Brian Grimwood.
Auctioneer Ted Owen of Fame Bureau will lead the proceedings, with all profits going to support the Campaign. Throughout his varied career, Ted has been responsible for some of the most successful sales of memorabilia from the greatest cultural icons, including the first major international auction of Beatles memorabilia and the first three War Child auctions with David Bowie and Luciano Pavarotti.
