Heart Research UK has raised over £70,000 with the fourth instalment of their ‘anonymous heART project‘, auctioning mystery pieces of A5 art produced by a host of internationally acclaimed artists, musicians and celebrities.

Heart Research UK Patrons Robert Smith (The Cure), Paul Insect and Christopher Kane have joined the likes of Chvrches, Jamie Hewlett, Annina Roescheisen, Anna Tsvell, Ralph Steadman and hundreds of international artists to create over 450 pieces of unique artwork, that were auctioned on eBay in October 2021.

Prior to the auction, sponsored by law firm Walker Morris, a full list of contributors was available, however the artist of each piece was kept a secret, only being revealed to winning bidders once the auction was over.

When the virtual hammer came down the auction had raised a record amount bringing the total amount raised for the ‘anonymous heART project’ across the 4 years to over £200,000, which will be helping to fund Heart Research UK’s life-saving work.

Following on from previous auctions, iconic rockstar and frontman of The Cure; Robert Smith contributed four beautiful pieces with the best-selling artwork fetching a stunning £5,900 in the online auction.

The piece, entitled “IT’S JUST THE WAY I SMILE…YOU SAID…” was highly sought after and all four pieces were included in the top 10 best-selling artworks.

Heart Research UK Patron Robert Smith said:

The anonymous heART auction is a great idea and a great event, a wonderful opportunity to own a unique piece of art whilst supporting one of the UK’s best charities. The generosity of the bidding this year was overwhelming and I am very proud of everyone who got involved. I can’t wait for next year’s auction!

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: 

Everyone at Heart Research UK has been truly overwhelmed with the generosity of both the artists and people bidding on this year’s ‘anonymous heART project’. 

We are indebted to all the contributors and would particularly like to thank our Patrons Robert Smith, Paul Insect and Christopher Kane, who all picked up their paintbrushes and donated their time, effort and support to the campaign.

To find out more or register interest for the fifth-year anniversary of the anonymous heART project, please visit heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/  or follow the @he.art_project on Instagram for more updates.

Photo: Heart Research UK – Lot 459 “IT’S JUST THE WAY I SMILE…YOU SAID…” by Robert Smith