Paul Fryer’s Black Phoenix is perhaps representative of what those affected by the Grenfell tower fire are hoping for the future – that they can recreate a new life from one of the blackest tragedies to affect London.  Tacida Dean’s new work “Lay the dust with Tears” portrays the dust clouds that would have swirled around the tower, physically and socially.  These are just two of the works which many artists have contributed to next week’s auction at Sotheby’s to raise for the Rugby Portobello Trust to distribute to those affected by this tragedy, artists including Patrick Hughes, Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor and Tracey Emin.

Many of the works have been created specially for the auction, for example by Amish Kapoor and Idris Khan; others have been selected for their link with the tragedy and hope for the future such as Tracey Emin’s work “Loving You More” and Patrick Hughes’ “Escape”.

Hamish and Katie Heller are the inspiration behind the initiative, working with the artists to select works for the auction.  The art world will continue to support to support the survivors of the tragedy with another auction at Bonham’s in October.