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‍St Richard's Catholic College in Bexhill's 'Sophie’s Postcard 2024' school art auction has raised over £100,000 this year for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Celebrities, artists, pupils and the general public donated 2,146 unique artworks which were auctioned on eBay last month. St Richard's began the fundraiser in 2018, with a secret art auction held every two years to raise money in memory of former pupil, Sophie Maria Taylor, who loved art. 

Secret postcards were created and donated by some incredible artists and celebrities including: Billy Childish, Bob & Roberta Smith, Curtis Holder, Dame Prue Leith, Ed Fairburn, Fearne Cotton, Gilbert & George, Joe Lycett, Jen Orpin, Korky Paul, Lorraine Kelly, Loui Jover, Mark Curryer, Matthew Lyons, Michael Riddle, My Dog Sighs, Nelly Edwards, Peter Dennis, Rev. Richard Cole, Richard Spare, Russell Herron, Sarah Graham, Susanne du Toit, Susie Hamilton, The Cameron Twins, The London Police, The Postman, Thomas Taylor, Trust Icon, Will Rochfort, Yeside Linney and many more.

The list of contributors was available on the project's website before the auction but the work was kept anonymous. Buyers will find out who created their amazing postcards now that the auction is over, and this will also be published online.

Art teacher and organiser, Miranda Pennington said,

“Thanks to all the incredible artists and all the bidders, this year’s Sophie’s Postcard was the best yet. So many wonderful artists donated artwork for this special fundraiser in Sophie’s memory and I am astounded by the amount raised. I was hoping to raise £30,000 this year, however, on the final day of the auction, I realised that it was going to be above £70,000 and could not believe it when the figure kept rising to over £100,000! This is an absolutely staggering amount for a very worthy cause!”

Famous children’s author and illustrator, Thomas Taylor, has contributed to all of the four auctions and his pieces are always highly sought after. His amazing artwork, Wizards, raised a staggering £4,177.77 and a wonderful illustration by the artist, Ed Fairburn, made £2,250.

The artwork from St Richard’s staff and pupils was really successful in the auction including that of Year 10 pupil, Isla, whose amazing oil portrait raised £76; Year 11 pupil, Renisse, who created 50 works for the auction, raising an astonishing £862, and Art teacher, Mr Peachment, whose wonderful painting of Clifton Suspension Bridge was sold for £327.

The money raised from this year’s auction will be added to the £82,500 already raised since the project started, with the money helping to fund world-leading research to improve the lives of young cancer patients.

Sophie’s parents, James & Luiza Taylor, said,

“We continue to be amazed at the incredible support given by artists and enthusiastic people all over the world, and are so thankful to everyone who has helped us keep Sophie’s memory alive in a very special way."