Scotland’s First Minister joins Anita Manning for charity auction

Popular Auctioneer and BBC antique expert, Anita Manning, is to welcome Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond onto the rostrum at Great Western Auctions for a very special charity auction.

Posted by Elderjuice on August 29, 2012. Filed under Culture. Posted with the tags:alex salmond, anita manning, antiques, Scotland
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An extract from Bella Caledonia, an original oil by Alasdair Gray to be auctioned for charity

There are a number of desireable lots coming under Anita Manning’s hammer for charity on September 8.

One is an original oil, Bella Caledonia, by Alasdair Gray, one of Scotland’s greatest artists and writers. Originally designed for the First Minister, as his 2011 Christmas Card, Bella Caledonia is sure to be the centre of attention.

Alasdair Gray and Alex Salmond agree Bella Caledonia is an independent, free-spirited woman with an enquiring mind and a sense of social justice – qualities which, they also agree, Scotland has in abundance.

Anita Manning commented: “We are delighted to be asked to sell Bella Caledonia for the First Minister’s charities and to have the First Minister join me on the rostrum to encourage the bidding – he could have the makings of a great auctioneer!”

The proceeds of the sale will benefit four Scottish charities:

• Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS)
• Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF)
• Glenachulish Preservation Trust
• The Small Tribes Trust – a charity chosen by Alasdair Gray.

Also included in this charity auction are prototypes of tiles which form part of a spectacular new mural for Glasgow’s Hillhead Subway Station, also drawn and designed by Alasdair Gray

The ten tiles to be auctioned, form part of the side panels of this major piece of civic art and, apart from the tiles actually on the mural, are unique.

The tiles are adaptations of the author’s book illustrations and include Lucky Dogs, Lovely Mums and Pretty Pussies.

Anita Manning added: “It is also wonderful that the work to be auctioned is by Alasdair Gray, writer, painter, muralist and playwright and one of the most innovative figures in contemporary culture.”

Commissioned by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, the mural will be unveiled on the 16 September, 2012 as part of the modernisation of the entire Glasgow Underground system.

• Make your bid for a piece of history at Great Western Auctions on Saturday September 8, 2012. 1291 Dumbarton Road, Whiteinch, Glasgow, G14 9UY.
• Read more. Anita Manning, Queen of the Auctions | An Auctioneer’s Lot – Anita Manning’s passion

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