Bonhams to host Prince’s Trust / Quo 40th anniversary Art auction

To mark the fortieth anniversary of their first hit single, ‘Pictures Of Matchstick Men’, and raise money for youth charity The Prince’s Trust, Status Quo host a star-studded auction/album launch at 6pm on the 5 November 2008 at Bonhams, supported by Coutts.  Fifty renowned musicians, artists and stars took up the challenge from The Prince’s Trust and created their own versions of classic Quo single / album covers that will be auctioned with all net proceeds going to the charity.  All images are viewable today!  Personalities as diverse as Brian Wilson, Sir Tom Stoppard, Andrew Marr, Alice Cooper, Fiona Phillips, Brian May, Nick Mason, Sir Steve Redgrave, Harry Hill, Chris Tarrant, Rolf Harris, David Shepherd, Chelsea and Liverpool FC and the cast of Coronation Street have contributed works – some of which have to be seen to be believed. The band have all completed artworks too so, if you’ve ever wanted to hang a member of Status Quo, this is your chance – and it’s all for a good cause!

Entrance to the auction was strictly by invitation only, and since 1 October all of the paintings are viewable via the Quo, Coutts and Bonhams websites www.bonhams.com/events. The master of ceremonies was Paul Gambaccini and on the night, eight of the lots went under the hammer and the rest was sold by silent auction.  With a mixture of household names, the band themselves and some up and coming young British artists this is a collection like none other.

“Pictures: 40 Years of Hits” itself is a retrospective collection. Each differing format version of the album, which was released on 3rd November 2008 through UMTV, offering a varied configuration of content.  The 4CD ‘Earbook’ contains all 75 UK singles [including the band’s forthcoming first ever Christmas single ‘It’s Christmas Time’] and a 120-page full colour book featuring all the auctioned artworks.

The 2008 “Pictures: 40 Years Of Hits” auction, album releases, and a full UK Winter tour, offer the chance to be part of the anniversary party for true legends of the rock world – put yourself in the frame!

For more information please contact Chris Hewlett on 0208 348 6767 or email chris@chrishewlett.com