Christie’s announces the online charity sale George: Twenty Years in Mayfair, benefitting The Caring Family Foundation, which will open for browsing online from 7th-14th March and open for bidding from 14th-28th March.
Conjuring the evocative atmosphere of this much loved London private members’ club which has been at the heart of Mayfair life for the last 20 years, the sale comprises 71 lots focused entirely on the works that adorned the walls, spanning Modern British art, Prints, Posters, Post-War and Photography.
The collection is led by Tracey Emin’s unique blue and white neon I’m a Rare Bear, 2014 which was previously auctioned for charity at Christie’s by Emin herself (estimate: £70,000-100,000). Further highlights include the original Dachshund linocut designed for George by Hugo Guinness, which became the club’s much loved logo (estimate: £300-500), a notable array of prints and exhibition posters by David Hockney, ski and travel posters by Emil Cardinaux, photographs by Slim Aarons and drawings by Ernest Howard Shepard, the acclaimed illustrator of Winnie the Pooh.
A celebration of George, the sale comes ahead of the club re-opening in Summer 2023 having been temporarily closed for refurbishment. Richard Caring said: “Patricia (Caring) and I have worked long and hard to create what, we hope, will be a beautiful site for George, which should now be the image and impression that it truly deserves. Some of the most spectacular paintings, drawings and decorations from George have been taken down and put into this auction with all proceeds going to The Caring Family Foundation. The money raised will go towards our continued efforts to tackle domestic abuse, child poverty and reforestation in the UK and Brazil, with our core focus remaining on women and children across these areas.”
Caring
The Earl of Snowdon, Honorary Chairman, Christie’s EMEA, said: “Christie’s is delighted to offer works of art which adorned the walls of George Club in the heart of Mayfair. From Tracey Emin’s neon ‘I’m a rare bear’ to the extensive collection of David Hockney prints and posters, these works will all be sold to benefit the brilliant Caring Family Foundation which works towards alleviating child hunger, domestic abuse and deforestation.”
A Birley Club founded in 2001, George is a contemporary Private Members’ Club, Restaurant and Bar located on Mount Street in the heart of Mayfair, London. There is a ground-floor Dining Room, designed with the clean lines and the walls are hung with works by David Hockney. Outside, a canopied terrace welcomes Members to dine al fresco throughout the seasons. The menu at George emphasises seasonal ingredients, its open kitchen creates classic brasserie dishes with both British and international influences. The downstairs bar is an Art Deco delight that has a playful ambience with nooks and corners which create endless opportunities for socialising on any scale from a tête-à-tête to a memorable evening. George, 87-88 Mount Street | London W1K 2SR @georgemayfair | Georgeclub.com
https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/george-club-twenty-years-mayfair/lots/3300