# Designer pencil auction to raise funds for Children in Crisis

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/04/23/designer-pencil-auction-to-raise-funds-for-children-in-crisis/
- Published: 2015-04-23T11:10:42+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**The humble pencil is expected to raise thousands of pounds for Children in Crisis
in an online auction.**

[The Secret Life of the Pencil](http://www.secretpencils.co.uk/) is a two-week exhibition
created by designer and photographer partnership Alex Hammond and Mike Tinney. Open
to the public at fashion retailer Paul Smith’s flagship Mayfair shop from 20 May,
the project will end with an online auction on 3 June by [Paddle8](https://paddle8.com/),
with a share of the proceeds going to Children in Crisis.

Designers and celebrities who have contributed designs for the project include Sir
Paul Smith, Stephen Fry, Nick Park, Sir Anish Kapoor, David Bailey and Dame Zandra
Rhodes.

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A selection of contributors’ pencils will also be incorporated into art works for
sale in the auction.

## Why the pencil?

⌊Children in Crisis - yellow pencil logo⌉⌊Children in Crisis - yellow pencil logo⌉

The pencil is particularly appropriate to Children in Crisis because the charity
provides education and support for children in some of the poorest countries in 
the world. Its logo is a yellow pencil.Chief Executive Koy Thomson said:

> “The pencil is such a simple tool, but with it comes the chance for each child
> to reveal their ambitions, their hopes and dreams. Children in Crisis would like
> to express heartfelt thanks to [Secret Life of the Pencil](http://www.childrenincrisis.org/get-involved/events/exhibition-charity-auction)
> creators Mike Tinney and Alex Hammond, for sharing our belief in the power of 
> education – and for their generous support.”
> The Secret Life of the Pencil open exhibition takes place from 20th May to 3rd
> June at Paul Smith, 9 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BL. A silent auction will 
> run from 19th May both in the shop and online through the auction house Paddle8,
> with the opportunity to purchase the donated celebrity pencils alongside single-
> edition framed prints.

![Secret Life of a Pencil - image: Anish Kapoor](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.
cloud/2024/01/secret-life-of-pencil-anish-kapoor-design.jpg)

Image: Anish Kapoor

![The Secret Life of the Pencil, with artist Tom Dixon standing in front of it.](
https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2024/01/secret-life-of-pencil-tom-dixonjpg.
jpg)

Tom Dixon and his artwork for The Secret Art of the Pencil.

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