WHISPERS AUCTION BOOSTS FUNDS FOR ROLLS-ROYCE'S HOUSE CHARITY

• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars holds its first fundraising auction in aid of its current House Charity through its private members' club, Whispers
• Participants placed bids online for new artwork created by self-taught contemporary British artist, Laurence M White, originally commissioned for the grand opening event of the marque's new London premises in Mayfair
• Proceeds of £10,000 donated to Chestnut Tree House, a children’s hospice located close to the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood

 

"I always aim to draw out the personality of the subjects I am painting, and for this creation, I wanted to show the limitless performance capabilities of Cullinan and its ability to tackle absolutely any terrain with real authority. Aside from my upcoming exhibition, every commission I paint is bespoke and I am proud to support this remarkable opportunity.”
Laurence M White, artist

“We are truly grateful for the work that the staff at Rolls-Royce do to support Chestnut Tree House. Such a significant sum of money allows us to continue to support many children and families in the local area. Many thanks from everyone at Chestnut Tree House.”
Alison Taylor, Fundraising Manager, Chestnut Tree House

“Choosing, then supporting, our House Charity is an important part of life at Rolls-Royce. It's a privilege to support such amazing people and make a real difference in our community. The funds raised from this unique auction will go directly to further their extraordinary work.”
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars


Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has boosted its fundraising efforts on behalf of its House Charity for this year through a private auction held through Whispers, the marque's exclusive private-members club, between 20^th - 23^rd December.

Participants used the Whispers app to place sealed bids for an original painting by emerging contemporary British artist Laurence M White, commissioned for the opening of Rolls-Royce's flagship London premises on Berkeley Street, Mayfair, in September 2021.

The painting, in acrylic on canvas, shows a dynamic front view of Cullinan, the marque’s super luxury SUV. White, who is self-taught, has quickly gained an international reputation for his vibrant portraits of successful, influential people, including entrepreneurs, artists, sports stars and entertainers, who help shape the world we see today.

After the opening, the artist and Rolls-Royce agreed that the painting, which received a rapturous reception, should be auctioned to raise funds for this year's House Charity. Each year, staff at the Home of Rolls-Royce, Goodwood nominate, shortlist and select by ballot a different local charity, which they then support with a range of fundraising activities.

Long standing patron and good friend of the brand, Graham Dacre, CBE, purchased the artwork. A cheque for £10,000 – the winning bid – was subsequently presented to Chestnut Tree House, which provides specialist palliative care and support for around 300 children aged 0-19 with life-shortening conditions and their families at its hospice in Arundel, just a short distance from the Home of Rolls-Royce, and in their own homes.