Artists make their mark for a Great cause

As the launch of the monumental 796-page, 40-kilo Saatchi Opus approaches, celebrities from the world of art, film and TV have been adding their marks — and value — to the crate of copy Number One which will be auctioned tonight for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

Actor, comedian, art collector and contributing writer to the Opus, Steve Martin, was the first to sign accompanied by a note to “Bid! Bid!” 

Damien Hirst, the world’s most successful contemporary artist, added his signature plus a sketch of his iconic shark (the step-by-step installation of which is displayed in the Opus). Mark Quinn followed suit with a doodle of his famous signature piece, ‘Self’, frozen blood cast in the shape of his own head.

Other leading artists from the famous YBA generation including Tracey Emin, Rachel Whiteread and Martin Maloney plus Great British national treasure Stephen Fry have all added their signatures to ensure that the Opus sells for the highest possible price to benefit a wonderful cause. 

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity

All proceeds from the auction, conducted by leading contemporary art and design auctioneers and Saatchi Gallery sponsor, Phillips de Pury, will go towards the purchase of a state-of-the-art heart and lung bypass machine for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The Saatchi Opus has its official launch at the Saatchi Gallery this evening.

More information

See more from the signings and read more about the auction.