Following a highly successful public art trail this summer, which has seen thousands taking to the streets of Winchester and Southampton in search of beautifully decorated giant hares, the Hares of Hampshire & Wild in Art teams are now preparing for their Grand Auction.
Taking place on Tuesday 13th September in Winchester’s Great Hall, the event will see all 31 hare sculptures, decorated by talented local artists from across the region, find new, more permanent homes, as they are sold on to the highest bidder. 150 guests will attend the event in person, hoping to come out on top and take home their favourite hare, as well as an unlimited number of online bidders, taking part from the comfort of wherever they are.
Proceeds from the auction going to The Murray Parish Trust, who aim to use the funds to support the development of additional PICU side rooms at Southampton Children’s Hospital, as well as several other projects to assist with the inspiring and vital work that they do for children across the South of England.
Anyone who would like to see the hares before the auction can also come along to the ‘Hare Today, Gone Tomorrow!’ Farewell Event. Taking place at the Great Hall from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th September, visitors will be able to see all of the hares in one place. This public event is open to all and is also a fantastic opportunity for potential bidders to see their hare up close before the auction.
Sarah Parish, actor & co-founder of The Murray Parish Trust says, “Hares of Hampshire has been a huge success so far and hearing the positive feedback from happy trailers has been really amazing. The way that this project has been embraced by locals and tourists alike is truly touching and we’re hoping that the auction will follow suit! Every one of these hares is a work of art in itself and we can’t wait to find them the perfect forever homes.”
Sponsoring the auction are NFU Mutual (Winchester & Wickham), James Prewett, Senior Agent at NFU says, “NFU Mutual Winchester and Wickham are proud to have a strong affinity with Hampshire and the surrounding area. With over 100 years providing locally administered Insurance, Pensions, and Investments. We are proud to be a sponsor of Hares of Hampshire and wish for some strong bidding at the Grand Hare Auction”.
Registration is open for the Grand Auction now at https://haresofhampshire.co.uk/event/auction/. Limited spaces are now available to attend the auction in person, therefore we encourage anyone who is not based in the surrounding area to join the event as an online bidder.
