Moments of sporting history to be auctioned for charity

The achievements and spirit of Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs have been captured for posterity in unique pieces of art which are to be auctioned in aid of East Cheshire Hospice at Art Fair 2010, which will be held at Macclesfield Town Hall during the evening of Thursday 7th October.

Art Fair 2010, the region's premier affordable art event held in aid of East Cheshire Hospice, will take place between the 8th and the 16th of October at Macclesfield Town Hall.

One recent visitor to the hospice in particular who has the event in his diary is football star and hospice patron Ryan Giggs, who heard about the event whilst visiting the hospice's Art Therapy facilities. Ryan said, "I do hope everyone will come along and enjoy this wonderful event. The work on show really is high quality and, with such a great range, I'm sure there will be things there to tempt everyone."

Four unique items of sporting history are being made available for auction:

Sir Alex Ferguson In 1999 Manchester United won the European Champions Cup Final achieving what until then had been called 'the impossible dream': to win the English League, the F.A. Cup and the European Cup in the same season.

This unique achievement has been captured by local artist Deborah Maw who, using chewing gum, Sir Alex's well known habit, has sculpted amazing images of the three cups. Sir Alex has been asked to sign the image.

Sir Bobby Charlton is captured in a striking picture of when he was a young footballer, circa 1966. This has been framed with an actual seat back from the old Wembley stadium by artist Johny Bermudez.

Sir Bobby has also been asked to sign the artwork, which will be on display in Hoopers of Wilmslow, in the weeks running up to the exhibition.

'MUFC: the concept' by John Dronsfield is a dramatic picture of supporters arriving at the stadium by boat via the freshly opened locks between the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal; by aircraft, helicopters, microlights, balloon and dirigibles; by train and bus and coach; by cycle, motorbikes, monocycles, skates and boards and on foot. All are united by a desire to be part of the greatness of spirit and achievement that is Manchester United. This unique picture is signed by the current Manchester United Football team.

'Manchester City: surprise in the skies' by Ben Kelly shows past heroes watching over their beloved club. Ben, who is an avid Manchester City football fan, exhibited his work in February 2009 at Manchester City's award winning museum. The picture will be signed by the Manchester City Football team.

Phil Robertshaw, Fundraising & Communications Manager at East Cheshire Hospice, said: "We are thrilled to add this unique dimension to the already stunning display of art which will be available for sale during Art Fair 2010.

"Art Fair 2010 brings together some of the most exciting artistic talent around and we're sure that these amazing items will be snapped up by sporting enthusiasts and all those for whom these great names mean so much. Art Fair 2010 is one of the most important events in our calendar for this year and so we do urge everyone to come along and make their bid to own a piece of sporting history."

Art Fair is held biennially and, in 2010, is now in its seventh successful outing. The previous event, Art Fair 2008, raised nearly £18,000 for East Cheshire Hospice. Funds are raised through a 25% commission paid to the hospice for each piece sold or ordered at the Fair.

Supported by McCann, Manchester, and solicitors Irwin Mitchell, Art Fair 2010 will take place between 8th and 16th October at Macclesfield Town Hall. Entry is free and opening hours will be 10.00am to 5.00pm daily, except Sunday, with extended openings, until 9.00pm, on Friday 8th and Tuesday 12th.

Fifteen pieces, including those described above, are currently available to view at Hoopers in Wilmslow - some are on display on the 2nd floor, others are in the window and two pieces are in the menswear department. They will remain at Hoopers until Monday 4th October and will be auctioned at Macclesfield Town Hall during the evening of Thursday 7th October.

To find out more visit the Art Fair 2010 website, or phone Phil Robertshaw, Fundraising & Communications Manager at East Cheshire Hospice on 01625 433477.

Tags:
East Cheshire Hospice, Hoopers
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