Bexhill School Art Auction Raises Over £100k For Cancer Charity 

St Richard's Catholic College in Bexhill has raised over £100,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in memory of former pupil Sophie who was treated at the hospital.

The auction, titled Sophie’s Postcard 2024, has been held in secret every two years since 2018 to fundraise for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in memory of former pupil, Sophie Maria Taylor who loved art.

Celebrities, artists, pupils and the general public donated 2,146 pieces of unique artwork that were auctioned on eBay for 10 days in June 2024.

Secret postcards were created and donated by artists and celebrities including: Billy Childish, Bob & Roberta Smith, Curtis Holder, Dame Prue Leith, Ed Fairburn, Fearne Cotton, Gilbert & George, Joe Lycett, Jen Orpin, Korky Paul, Lorraine Kelly, Loui Jover, Mark Curryer, Matthew Lyons, Michael Riddle, My Dog Sighs, Nelly Edwards, Peter Dennis, Rev. Richard Cole, Richard Spare, Russell Herron, Sarah Graham, Susanne du Toit, Susie Hamilton, The Cameron Twins, The London Police, The Postman, Thomas Taylor, Trust Icon, Will Rochfort, Yeside Linney and many many more! 

The list of contributors was available on sophiespostcard.com before the auction but the work was kept anonymous. Buyers will find out who created their postcards now that the auction is over, and this will also be published on the website.

Art teacher and organiser, Miranda Pennington said:

“Thanks to all the incredible artists and all the bidders, this year’s Sophie’s Postcard was the best yet. So many wonderful artists donated artwork for this special fundraiser in Sophie’s memory and I am astounded by the amount raised.

Walter White by pupil Jack

"I was hoping to raise £30,000 this year, however, on the final day of the auction, I realised that it was going to be above £70,000 and could not believe it when the figure kept rising to over £100,000! This is an absolutely staggering amount for a very worthy cause!”

The money raised from this year’s auction is added to the £82,500 already raised since the project started in 2018 and will go towards helping to fund world-leading research to improve the lives of young cancer patients.

Famous children’s author and illustrator, Thomas Taylor,  has contributed to all of the four auctions.

His artwork ‘Wizards’ raised a staggering £4177.77 and an illustration by the artist, Ed Fairburn, made £2250.

The artwork from St Richard’s staff and pupils was also successful in the auction, including that of Year 10 pupil, Isla, whose oil portrait raised £76; Year 11 pupil, Renisse, who created 50 works for the auction which raised an astonishing £862, and Art teacher, Mr Peachment, whose painting of Clifton Suspension Bridge was sold for £327.

Portrait by Isla

Sophie’s parents, James & Luiza Taylor said:

"We continue to be amazed at the incredible support given by artists and enthusiastic people all over the world, and are so thankful to everyone who has helped us keep Sophie’s memory alive in a very special way.

"When Sophie was having her treatment, she found great solace in art activities at both the Royal Marsden and St Richard’s, and we are sure she would be very proud of everyone involved.

"We find great comfort in the knowledge that this auction is directly helping the Royal Marsden support other young people in their fight against cancer.”