PRESS RELEASE 22nd February 2006
Book Aid International's auction goes with a wizard bang
Last night, more than 35 original, handwritten pieces by some of Britain's leading authors and illustrators were auctioned for Book Aid International by Bloomsbury Auctions. Pieces by household names including JK Rowling, Dick King-Smith, Joanna Lumley, Jacqueline Wilson, Joanna Trollope, William Boyd, David Mitchell, Colin Dexter, Louis Theroux, Lynne Truss, Tracey Emin, Sir Bob Geldof and many more raised an incredible total of £63,000 for the charity. The proceeds will enable Book Aid International to get nearly 50,000 books for schools, libraries, hospitals, universities and refugee camps across sub-Saharan Africa.
As expected, some of the biggest sellers of the evening were the family tree of the Ancient and Noble House of Black, handwritten and illustrated by JK Rowling which raised £30,000. It was purchased by Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who plays Harry Potter himself. He also purchased works by Iain Banks and Sir Tom Stoppard. Daniel's mother was at the auction bidding for him, and had an enormously enjoyable evening. She said “Dan is a massive fan of both Iain Banks and Tom Stoppard. The JK Rowling piece was obviously a really special souvenir for him to have, and it's all for such a good cause. The work that Book Aid International does is very important and we're really pleased to be able support it.”
David Mitchell's intricate plans for his short story Preface went under the hammer for £1,700 after some fierce bidding. Richard Curtis's original Blackadder sketch went for £1,650 and was purchased by a delighted private collector. Tracey Emin's original story fetched an impressive £2,600, with Katharine Holabird's beautiful Angelina Ballerina story illustrated by Helen Craig fetching £1,200.
Book Aid International is delighted with the enormous and heartfelt response to the auction. Their director, Sara Harrity said: “We are thrilled and so grateful to all the people who donated their time and money to support Book Aid International through this event. To all the authors and illustrators who created such incredible pieces and all the generous people who came tonight to bid for lots - on behalf of all the people we reach in the developing world, thank you. Your support is immensely appreciated.” Jeremy Paxman who spearheaded the event and also purchased Ian Rankin's sketch of Inspector Rebus said: “All authors believe in the power of words. This has been a fantastic opportunity to help Book Aid International put that belief into action.”
Book Aid International works to make sure that the most disadvantaged people in Africa have access to books and information - from young children learning to read, to doctors treating HIV/AIDS. Over half a million books are provided each year, with additional support for public libraries and local publishing.
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Editors Notes:
The initiative is organised by Book Aid International and Bloomsbury Auctions.
Book Aid International (BAI)
Is a UK-registered charity established in 1954, believes education is the route out of poverty. Their work, focus and scope are unique in the UK. BAI:
• Sends over half a million books and journals each year to partners in 18 countries
• Targets most of its resources on 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa
• Focuses over half of its output directly on children's education
• Recycles surplus UK resources as precious developing world commodities
• Works with local partners to ensure resources go where they are needed most
• Supports the local book chain through African book purchase schemes
• It costs them just £1.50 to get a book into the hands of a reader overseas
Strict criteria exist to decide both the countries in which they work (based on poverty indices), and the partner organisations which receive and distribute the books (based on readers' needs and equality of access). Partners include libraries, schools, colleges, refugee camps, hospitals and prisons. None of them has enough books for their readers, nor enough money to buy them. Each book sent will be shared and discussed for years to come.
This auction aims to harness the energy and enthusiasm of authors to promote reading and learning opportunities for readers in the world's poorest communities.
Bloomsbury Auctions
Although books, from early printed books and illuminated manuscripts to modern first editions, are their traditional fortes, they also hold regular sales of Modern and Contemporary Prints, Impressionist & Modern Art, Maps, Photographs, Vintage Fountain Pens, Coins & Medals, and Chess & Pastimes. Based in central London, their knowledgeable and approachable experts offer a fast and efficient service. Bloomsbury Auctions also offers advice on valuations, probate, and insurance.