'Finding the Words' literary event and auction helps survivors of torture
Friday 29th November 2024
'The Golden Bird' (pictured) by Quentin Blake was among a feast of artworks and unique literary prizes auctioned online in November to raise money for survivors charity Freedom From Torture. The literary-themed sale raised over £57,000.
Writers and poets including Brian Bilston, Michael Morpurgo and Philippa Gregory contributed items such as a framed, handwritten poem, the chance to name a character in a future novel, and a unique book club experience. Quentin's piece - an illustration from 2011 for a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm - was one of the few original artworks in the auction, and fetched a grand total of £2,050.
Writers and poets including Brian Bilston, Michael Morpurgo and Philippa Gregory contributed items such as a framed, handwritten poem, the chance to name a character in a future novel, and a unique book club experience. Quentin's piece - an illustration from 2011 for a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm - was one of the few original artworks in the auction, and fetched a grand total of £2,050.
Alongside the silent auction online, the charity held a star-studded literary evening at the London Library on 21 November, hosted by actor and comedian Miles Jupp. It featured readings by distinguished writers and poets including Julian Barnes, Victoria Hislop and Margaret Busby alongside survivors of torture. 'Finding the Words' celebrated the strength and resilience so often required by torture survivors and refugees to find the words to explain their journey and the trauma they have experienced.
Proceeds from the events are crucial to Freedom from Torture's work, helping survivors of torture to rebuild their lives. Across their five centres in the UK, the charity provides specialist psychological therapy, counselling and creative groups to help survivors to recover from their trauma. For more information, visit the charity's website at:
https://www.freedomfromtorture.org/