In December 2015, acclaimed Scottish artist and playwright John Byrne donated his painting West of 8th to Lyon & Turnbull to be sold in aid of the Teapot Trust. The work achieved £20,000 inc buyer's -premium, with proceeds supporting the charity's work providing art therapy for children living with chronic illness.
Fine Art
John Byrne Donates West of 8th to Benefit the Teapot Trust
8 December 2015
Charlotte Riordan
John Byrne Supports the Teapot Trust
A long-standing supporter of the Teapot Trust, Byrne long believed in the power of art to enrich people's lives. His donation of West of 8th, inspired by New York, helped raise funds for the charity's work supporting children coping with complex medical conditions, including lupus and other rheumatological diseases.
The Teapot Trust's professional art therapists work in hospitals, clinics and hospices, helping young patients manage the emotional impact of long-term illness through creative expression.
Laura Young of the Teapot Trust said:
"We were delighted when John suggested that he donate one of his paintings to the charity. He has been a longstanding enthusiastic supporter of the work we do."
She added:
"Our art therapists work in medical settings, including clinics, hospital wards and hospices across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Kinross, Aberdeen, Inverness, Kirkcaldy, the Borders and London, supporting children coping with the emotional and mental strain that so often accompanies chronic illness."
West of 8th at Auction
As well as being one of Britain's most celebrated playwrights, John Byrne was an accomplished painter whose works have long been sought after by collectors. His portrait exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in 2014 further cemented his reputation as one of Scotland's leading contemporary artists.
West of 8th sold for £20,000 inc buyer's premium, with proceeds supporting the charity's continued work delivering art therapy to children across the UK.
About John Byrne
Born in Paisley in 1940, John Byrne studied at Glasgow School of Art, where he was awarded the prestigious Bellahouston Award before travelling to Italy to further his artistic development. His paintings are held in major public collections including the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and other museums in the UK and abroad.
Alongside his career as a painter, Byrne became one of Britain's most celebrated playwrights. His play The Slab Boys earned the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright, while his BAFTA-winning television series Tutti Frutti remains one of the defining dramas of the 1980s. He has also designed theatre sets and album covers, reflecting the breadth of his creative practice.
Originally published in December 2015 following the sale of John Byrne's donation of West of 8th in aid of the Teapot Trust.
