Laurance Graff's collected artists donate works to auction in aid of F.A.C.E.T
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 9:00AM 
London, September 2009 – Graff and the charity F.A.C.E.T. (For Africa’s Children Every Time) are to hold a charity art auction at a reception at Christie’s in London during October’s Frieze Week.
Laurence Graff is one of the world’s most prolific collectors of contemporary art, his strategy being equally a personal past time and business acumen. One of his most renowned acquisitions was Andy Warhol’s 1963 silk- screen print ‘Red Liz’ which he purchased in 2005. Since then his private collection, housed internationally, has expanded to include famous pieces such as Marc Quinn’s sculpture of Kate Moss and his “Evolution” series; Warhol’s double image of Elvis Presley and Vik Muniz’ Marilyn Monroe – part of the Diamond Divas 2004 series.
Graff’s collecting of modern art reflects his style: as with his diamond buying, he purchases pieces which will become the rare and collectible items of tomorrow. Bringing art and diamonds together makes a perfect match by which to raise money for the charity – an auction of art and jewellery with lots chosen using the same expertise and knowledge.
The artists confirmed are: Ed Ruscha; Marc Quinn; Damian Hirst; Anselm Reyle; George Condo; Jeff Koons; Marc Newson; Raqib Shaw; Tom Friedman; Tracey Emin; Do Ho Suh; Richard Pettibone; Stephane Graff; Toby Ziegler; Banksy; Christoph Schellberg and Erwin Wurm. Several of Laurence Graff’s collected artists from South Africa are also in this fantastic stable: Deborah Bell; Dylan Lewis and Lionel Smit.
Laurence Graff has donated a pair of exquisite diamond earrings called “Khotsa Nala” which in Basotho (language of Lesotho) means Peace Prosperity.
The event’s supporting committee is Hugh Grant; Barry Townsley; Dasha Zhukova; Arpad Busson; Uma Thurman; Naomi Campbell; Peter Brant and Lucia Van der Post. Jussi Pylkannen, President of Christie’s Europe, is the auctioneer at the event.
The reception, with food provided by L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and champagne by Billecart Salmon, and art auction will be the charity’s first major fundraiser, being part of a series of events planned for both London and internationally.
The event will be held at Christie’s King Street, St James’s, London on 12th October 2009.
Reader Comments