Culture vultures are in for a treat at this year’s Hampstead Summer Festival as a local gallery has donated signed artwork to boost fundraising efforts.
Gerald Moran Interiors, in Heath Street, Hampstead, which sells designer furniture and artwork, has given 12 signed lithographs of artist Andre Bicat’s work Jug on Grey to the cause.
The festival is aiming to raise a minimum of £20,000 for local charities Keats Community Library, in Keats Grove, Hampstead and Age UK Camden, in Tavistock Square, Bloomsbury.
The prints will be on display at the festival’s opening Big Fair Day, Heath Street, on Sunday, June 30 – which will have donkey and “unicorn” rides, circus acts, chess games, other stalls and sport.
Cllr Linda Chung, one of the organisers, said: “The donation of lithographs is a generous and unique contribution.”
The festival runs until Saturday, July 6 and will end with a Big Party Day including a balloon race and a raffle.
During the week, Burgh House Museum and Keats House will be open to the public.
The 12 signed lithographs are of a still-life of red flowers in a white vase and include the artist’s proofs. Examples of his work are held by the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The pictures, which are limited edition, can be bought for £190 unframed or £290 framed. Other artwork by the artist recently sold for £400 to £600 at auction.
Shop owner Gerald Moran said: “Both charities are local and they deserve your support.
“Let’s face it, none of us is getting any younger. Age UK Camden is responsible for providing quality of life for citizens and Keats Community Library is run entirely by volunteers.”
The prints can be viewed at the gallery in the run-up to the festival and can be bought at the shop or through the Hampstead Summer Festival Group by emailing els@stellalange.co.uk or phoning 07973 305494.
The festival organisers are calling for volunteers to help out on Big Fair Day, coordinated by the Rotary Club in Belsize Lane. If you can spare a couple of hours on Sunday, June 30 call 0207 874 7575 or email ben_uk@icts.co.uk
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