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Waterstone's, Walker Books and Booktrust has launched a charity auction of artwork from celebrities including Harry Hill, Emma Thompson and Quentin Blake, which is being used in a book featuring Children's Laureate Anthony Brown's The Shape Game.
The game involved Browne drawing a random shape with a selection of writers, artists and celebrities challenged to turn it into something recognisable. The original artwork by the contributors went on auction this morning (26th July) at www.childrenslaureate.org.uk and a launch event will be held at Waterstone's Piccadilly branch today.
Proceeds will go to the Rainbow Trust charity, which provides support to families where a child is suffering from a life threatening or terminal illness.
The illustrations will be collected into a £5.99 book published today by Walker Books called Play The Shape Game.
Many of the contributors opted to turn the shape into headgear. Jo Brand, Axel Scheffler, Jacqueline Wilson, Andrew Motion, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Sir Peter Blake all drew a hat. Comedian Hill customised the shape into a whale, Blake a bird and Thompson decided on a pig.
Blake said: "I jumped at the chance to get involved; not only was it huge fun thinking about how I’d like to customise Anthony’s shape, but encouraging creativity is something I feel very strongly about. I hope the auction and book go on to raise lots of money for Rainbow Trust, which does
such important work to support families at a time of great need."
Browne added: "Although on one level it’s just a game, I believe that it encapsulates the act of creation… everything comes from something else, inspiration is everywhere. I am thrilled that so many big names have joined in to play The Shape Game and I’ve had enormous pleasure looking through their artworks – it’s fascinating to get a glimpse inside the minds of celebrities! Hopefully they will capture the public’s imagination too so that we can raise a good amount for Rainbow Trust."