In 1925, Sir Ambrose Heal purchased a bronze cat crafted by the French sculptor Chassagne and positioned it on a window ledge overlooking the majestic Brewer Staircase in the Heal’s store on Tottenham Court Road in London. This famous set of spiralling steps was created by the architect Cecil Brewer to carry visitors up four floors to the Mansard Gallery – a space dedicated to showcasing innovative design and artworks, which existed as a vibrant and significant artistic hub for more than 60 years until its closure in the 1980s.
Those who make the ascent today emerge into the Heal's Designer Collections space - and many visitors stop to stroke the distinctive cat statue on their way. Heal loved his purchase so much he declined all offers to sell it over the years and it has become a permanent feature and mascot of the store.
Offering feline fans a chance to own a Heal's mascot of their own, the store has commissioned ten prominent designers to create their own ceramic version of the cat to be auctioned at the Heal's Christmas Party on 8 December. The designers taking part – Orla Kiely, Ikuko Iwamoto, Donna Wilson, Louise Lockhart, Rachel Cave, Mia Sarosi, Cressida Bell, Sunny Todd, Squint and Zoe Bradley – showcase the diverse aesthetics of contemporary, British-based homeware designers.
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With bids starting at £100, the auction offers an exciting way to acquire a unique piece of art while supporting a worthy cause. All profits will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital's Kiss it Better appeal, which raises money to fund research into the causes and treatment of childhood cancer.
For information on how to bid for a Heal's Cat, contact the store at cats@heals.co.uk or visit heals.com/blog/heals-cat-charity-auction