Published Tuesday 15th November 2016

Hundreds of bidders from Herefordshire and beyond are now the proud owners of miniature art masterpieces.

More than £10,000 is expected to be raised for St Michael’s Hospice following this year’s Postcards from Life auction, once donations and sponsorship are counted.

390 pieces of postcard-sized artwork were created by more than 150 generous supporters of the Bartestree-based Hospice.

The artwork went on display for three days at the Bishop’s Palace in Hereford, attracting 700 visitors, with the online auction lasting a fortnight before closing on Monday.

A total of 2,249 bids were cast with online interest from as far away as Australia, the United States and Spain.

The top lot was Jackie Morris’s One Cheetah, One Cherry entry which sold for £700 having attracted 19 bids.

Other notable lots included Charles McCarthy’s Damsons painting which went under the hammer for £300 – one of four paintings submitted by the artist, fetching a total of £535.

Peter Horrocks, who submitted two images, said: ‘It’s a great idea, and the exhibition was extremely well organised.

‘I applaud the Hospice for doing this. The Bishop’s Palace was an ideal venue for the exhibition, too.’

Postcards from Life sees professional artists and talented amateurs given the chance to demonstrate their creativity while raising money for St Michael’s.

There was no brief for the artists, meaning they could draw whatever image they wished.

‘Postcards from Life has once again been a great success with a wonderful amount raised for St Michael’s,’ said Hospice Community Fundraising Manager, Paddy Nugent.

‘We’d like to thank everyone who contributed their artwork. It meant so much to see such a wide variety of subjects covered.

‘Thanks also to the many people who bid for the various lots. You have helped raise the wonderful sum of £10,000 which will go straight to St Michael’s Hospice.’

FACTS AND FIGURES:

  • 2,249 bids
  • 280 bidders in total, from the UK, Australia, United States, Spain, France
  • 700 visitors to Bishop’s Palace exhibition
  • More than £10,000 expected to be raised