Musicians join forces to support Glasgow Children's Hospital

Almost 250 leading urban, street and contemporary artists from around the globe have joined forces in a ground-breaking auction to support Scotland’s largest children’s hospital.

They started as blank vinyl album covers. Now it’s hoped the sale of hundreds of original artworks will help support services and research at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

Amongst the standout lots are artworks by renowned international artists such as Martin Whatson, Katrin Fridriks, Elph, and Karl Read.

The man behind the Rolling Stones’ logo, John Pasche, contributed a new version of the iconic lips.

Tom Higgenson, member of the American band The Plain White T’s, included one of his albums which he modified with spray paint and acrylic.

Dotmaster, John Pasche, Kunstrasen, Polar Bear, Toasty Type, Snub23, Priest, Dave the Chimp, Vinnie Nylon, Rhys Brown, Lightbody107, Gerard Burns, Faile, Craig Davison, and Luke Adam Hawker are just some of the other names renowned in the art world.

Steve McGill, the driving force behind the initiative, said: “Over the years we have managed to bring together a fantastic selection of leading and contemporary artists, with the response to this year’s call for entries proving to be quite staggering.

“The auction will feature an incredible collection of artworks and I cannot thank all the artists enough for their support. Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity carries out vitally important work, and I am sure art lovers will come out in force to help the charities continued support of children and families in hospital.”

To make it accessible to everyone, the auction will include stunning works in every price bracket – ranging from £30 to several thousand pounds.

William McGowan, Head of Business Development & Events at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “We are so grateful to Steve and the team at McTear’s for planning and facilitating another incredible auction to support our special hospital family.

“We also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the artists who answered Steve’s call for entries and took the time to create the amazing pieces of art included in the auction. The funds raised from the auction will help fund life changing equipment, support services and research at Scotland’s largest children’s hospital.”

All proceeds from the artworks will go directly to the charity – which go under the hammer on Wednesday morning.

Brian Clements, managing director at McTear’s Auctioneers, expressed his admiration for the cause: “This is an incredible initiative, and we are delighted to be working again with Steve and the charity to facilitate the auction.

“The artists who have donated works represent the cream of the urban and street art community, and it is wonderful to see them come together for such a worthy cause.

“The Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is a remarkable organisation, and we are confident the auction will raise a significant amount toward the incredibly important work it does.”

Glasgow Children’s Hospital 33rpm | Urban, Street & Contemporary Art will take place 11am on Wednesday, October 25.