The fifth edition of Heart Research UK’s annual ‘anonymous heART project’ has raised over £45,000, auctioning A5 artworks produced by a host of internationally acclaimed artists and musicians.

Famous artists like Bambi, LUAP and Ralph Steadman, and the charity’s own patrons The Cure’s Robert Smith and artist Paul Insect were joined by hundreds of others to create over 450 pieces of unique artwork that were auctioned on eBay between the 4th – 13th November.

Though the list of artists was available to all bidders, the creator of each individual piece was kept anonymous and will only be revealed to the successful bidders when they receive their artworks.

Iconic rock star Robert Smith has contributed to the auction for several years, and his pieces are always highly sought after. The piece he created this year, entitled “DREAMS OF A LOST WORLD”, generated the highest bid, going under the hammer for £4,350.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas illustrator Ralph Steadman’s artworks both made the top five most sought after pieces, with his “Blue Shock!” artwork (pictured) fetching £1,020.

As sponsors of this year’s anonymous heART project, law firm Walker Morris also hosted an event exhibiting of some of the pieces and an auction of larger artworks, raising a further £2,000 for the charity.

The amount from this year’s auction is added to the £200,000 raised since the project started and will be used to fund pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

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

“Once again we are so pleased to see the result of our anonymous heART project, one of our biggest yearly fundraisers.

“We love seeing how excited people are about the auction and are always so grateful for the support of both the artists and the people bidding on the artworks. It’s a great way for people to help fund vital research whilst also getting a beautiful original piece of art.

“We’d especially like to thank our patrons Robert Smith and Paul Insect for donating their time and art yet again, and our sponsors Walker Morris for supporting the project.”

Find out more and register your interest for next year’s anonymous heART project, at: heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart, or follow the @he.art_project on Instagram for regular updates.

Image: Lot No 412 – DREAMS OF A LOST WORLD, Robert Smith / Heart Research UK