Children's Hope Foundation to benefit from Bonhams' art auction

The charity auction will be part of the larger auction titled 'Orientalist Paintings and Works of Art' where 73 paintings, water colours, sculpture, works of art, silver, glass, ceramics and Ottoman textiles will be up for sale. Dresdner Bank (DIFC) Limited, sponsors of the auction, will also be supporting the private VIP preview to be held on 7 May at the same venue.

Bonhams will be auctioning one rare work of art by famous Indian contemporary artist Yusuf Arakkal - winner of the prestigious Lorenzo De Medici Gold Medal at the Internazionale Dell'Arte Contemporanea in Florence - titled 'A Lazy Afternoon', the proceeds of which will go towards CHF. The foundation has been operating in Dubai for the last ten years, providing medical, educational and leisure facilities for children suffering from illness, disability or poverty. There have been over 60 beneficiaries in the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Asia, Africa and Europe.

Matthew Girling, Bonhams CEO, said:

"Bonhams has always contributed to the welfare of the less privileged, holding innumerable charity auctions each year. We understand the power of art to create awareness of special needs and of tragic circumstances."

'The Lazy Afternoon' painting meant for the charity auction will also be previewed on a special by-invitation preview of all paintings and works of art, courtesy of Dresdner Bank. In addition, all the works that are to be auctioned on 11 May will be shown to the public from 8-10 May, also at the same venue.

"Dresdner Bank has both a long history of supporting art, and a strong commitment to social responsibility. The Dresdner Foundation currently sponsors an exchange programme for German and Emirati artists. This forthcoming event is the second time Dresdner has supported a Bonhams auction and we welcome the additional opportunity to raise awareness of the work of the Children's Hope Foundation," explained Nigel Putt, Senior Executive Officer of Dresdner Bank (DIFC) Limited.

Bonhams, which has its Dubai office based on Jumeirah Beach Road, has been supported by the Al Tajir family who have been strong supporters of the art movement in the region. The charity auction is in line with the emirate's push to provide support for the special needs community not just in the UAE but around the world.

Zenny Hirji, Chairperson of CHF, said, "Bonhams' initiative to auction one work of art for CHF's several projects is overwhelming especially in these times when liquidity is at an all time low. We hope to raise the bar in providing quality care for our 60 beneficiaries. Children's Hope Foundation does not identify itself solely with one particular illness, project or disability so they are uniquely able to respond to cries for assistance from many different areas and for many different purposes."