Following the success of the Tusk Gorilla Trail at Covent Garden, Tusk is proud to announce that the gorilla artworks are set to be auctioned to the public.
The Tusk Gorilla Trail Auction is the culmination of a summer-long celebration of gorillas and the people that live alongside them, showcasing the magnificence of this remarkable species through the medium of sculpture. Fifteen unique and life-sized gorilla sculptures, curated by Chris Westbrook from Westbrook gallery, formed a trail across London's iconic Covent Garden throughout the summer months. These one-of-a-kind pieces, designed by some of the brightest talents from the worlds of art, music and comedy will now go under auction, with proceeds supporting Tusk's work protecting gorillas, their habitats and other vulnerable species across Africa.
All proceeds from the auction and public donations will support the work of African conservation charity Tusk, directly aiding its projects to protect Africa’s wildlife, including those involved in the conservation of gorillas and ensuring their survival for future generations.
In 2021, Tusk raised £1.1 million when auctioning its Lion Trail sculptures and is hoping to surpass this total by auctioning off the one-of-a-kind gorilla pieces from this year’s trail. The unique gorilla artworks will be sold both via an online silent auction and a live auction. Online pre-bidding on all lots will open at 12 noon GMT on Wednesday 1st November 2023. Pre-bids for the Live Auction can be made online up to 4pm GMT on Monday 20th November. All pre-bids will be passed to the auctioneer of the Tusk Gorilla Trail Auction event in Covent Garden, London. The Silent Auction will close at 9pm GMT Monday 20th November.
Each individual sculpture highlights the beauty of gorillas, threats to their existence and the people and solutions working for their survival - raising awareness for conservation efforts across the African continent. Internationally recognised faces including Rolling Stones guitarist and Tusk ambassador Ronnie Wood, photographer Rankin and actor and comedian John Cleese have all collaborated to craft their own unique artworks. Please see below for a full list of artists and their artworks available at auction.
The population of African gorillas remains critically endangered across both Western and Eastern species, and despite being one of our closest cousins, humankind continues to poach them, degrade their habitat and contribute to the rapid warming of the planet we share. Funds have never been more crucial to save these magnificent animals.
Tusk would like to extend its gratitude to Shaftesbury Capital, our valued partner for the Tusk Gorilla Trail at Covent Garden, without whom this popular sculpture trail would not have been possible.
Further information on the auction can be found at auction.tuskgorillatrail.com
GORILLA SCULPTURES AVAILABLE FOR AUCTION INCLUDE:
1. Ronnie Wood | Paint It Black
2. John & Jen Cleese | Frankie
3. Chila Kumari Singh Burman | My Friend
4. Rankin | Flowerilla
5. Sally Wood | Precious
6. Adam Dant | Gorilla Toolkit
7. Hayden Kays x Petersham Nurseries | Homeless
8. Hannah Shergold | Respect the Family
9. Barnaby Barford | Be Kind
10. Mr Jago | The Guardian
11. Gordon Cheung | Sun Wukong
12. Jemma Powell | Gaia
13. Mauro Perucchetti | King Gone
14. Nick Gentry | VHS Ape
15. PURE EVIL | Forest Camo Gorilla