Over 100 art lovers gathered at THG on 8 June for a fundraising art auction in aid of two local causes – Honiton’s Admiral Nurse and the THG Learning Programme. 

56 artists had generously donated their artworks for the art auction hosted by Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) and led by expert auctioneers Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood. Many well-known names were among the donors including internationally reputed sculptor Peter Randall-Page RA and the auction patron, the renowned artist, Alan Cotton.

 A staggering £14,000 was raised in total. The funds will be split equally between the two causes.

 Honiton’s Dementia Action Alliance have recentl;y reached their target of £150K to fund their own Admiral Nurse for Honiton, who will be provided and supported by the charity Dementia UK.  The funds raised from the auction will be key to their continued fundraising effort to keep their Admiral Nurse in place years to come.

 THG was one of the first galleries in the county to become dementia friendly. Their award-winning learning programme benefits all the community. The funds raised will especially help their work with adults living with Dementia and their carers, as well as young people and adults with mental health issues.

Heather Penwarden, Chairman of Honiton Dementia Action Alliance said,

 “We are absolutely thrilled with this total. The share that we will receive for our Admiral Nurse Fund will be extremely valuable in keeping our Admiral Nurse in place to continue to bring much need support to families living with dementia. We are hugely grateful to the Thelma Hulbert Gallery and to all the people involved in this charity art auction especially the artists who have donated some fabulous works.”

Fiona Page-Turner, THG’s Marketing & Fundraising Officer commented,

“What a fantastic result! This will make such a difference to our learning programme. Thank you to the auctioneers Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood, who have helped us throughout the project and also led the auction – we really couldn’t have done it without them.

 Our thanks also go to the Deer Park Hotel who provided delicious canapés on the night and Tesco Honiton for generously supplying all the drinks.”

The auction was also generously sponsored by Combe Estate and the Marker Charitable Trust with support from Devon Contractors, Honiton Together and Howdens Joinery Company.