Kate Moss drawing raises £12,500 to support children with diabetes

Kate Moss drawing raises £12,500 to support children with diabetes

16 March 2022

Kelvin Okafor’s illustration – which took 500 hours to complete - formed part of a Bonham’s auction celebrating British art and culture.

BritishCool featured quintessential British items, including artwork by Banksy and the world’s first and only British Pop Art Bentley.

Artist Kelvin Okafor is known for drawing realistic artworks of famous celebrities. His works range from John Lennon to Naomi Campbell and Amy Winehouse.

Kelvin said: “I love to draw faces. Each face to me tells an intriguing story regardless of age, gender, race or background.”

Kelvin’s decision to draw the supermodel for the iconic auction was an easy one to make.

“Creating an original portrait drawing of Kate Moss felt very fitting as she is a British cultural icon,” Kelvin said. “With over 5,000 photographic images studied and countless video footage watched, I believed I had a sufficient amount of material to capture Kate in a light which depicts her essence and beauty.”

“I chose to work predominately on an image of Kate taken by the esteemed photography duo Luigi & Iango. Her expression reflected a timeless natural beauty who rose to fame despite all the odds that were against her.”

"The money donated will go towards ensuring children with diabetes receive the best care possible." 

Hayley Pannick, Director of Development at Imperial Health Charity

The incredible drawing sold for £62,750, with Kelvin donating 25% of the proceeds to support the diabetes service at St Mary’s Hospital. The winning bidder will receive the iconic image of Kate Moss and a selection of photos and videos recording the evolution of the drawing.

Hayley Pannick, Director of Development at Imperial Health Charity, said: “We’re so grateful to Kelvin Okafor and Kate Moss for their generous support of the diabetes service at Imperial College Healthcare. The money donated will go towards ensuring children with diabetes receive the best care possible.”