Ed Sheeran to sell abstract artwork for charity auction

Pop star has previously said he simply paints for his own enjoyment, but is donating the painting for a good cause

(PA)

Ed Sheeran is selling one of his paintings as part of a charity auction, marking the first and only time his art has been made available for sale.

The pop star donated the artwork, which he titled “Dab 2 2020”, to the Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk Legacy auction, to raise money for children and young people in need.

The title comes from a nickname Sheeran has had for his father since childhood.

“I painted a canvas a day for 30 days,” Sheeran said in a previous interview.

“It was really fun. It's kind of Jackson Pollocky.I bought house paint and just layered it up by flicking it. I just do my art and I love doing it.”

He added: “It's something that makes me happy; that no one else needs to judge. There's no part of the creative process that people judge, if you're just doing it for yourself.”

Proceeds from the Legacy auction will help children’s charity GeeWizz to redevelop a playground for children with disabilities and special educational needs.

Funds will also benefit the Zest charity, part of St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich, which helps teenagers and young adults with progressive and incurable illnesses live their lives to the full.

Sheeran’s parents, John and Imogen, created the Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk exhibition to tell the story of his rise to global success.

The auction was organised with their help and has 220 lots, including items and unique experiences donated by other celebrities such as David Beckham, Kylie Minogue and Usain Bolt.

Sheeran has donated other items to the auction including handwritten lyrics to his hit single, “Perfect”, and a ticket to his first ever gig at the Royal British Legion in Framlingham, Suffolk, where entry cost £3.

His fatherJohn said: “Ed has been creating art since he was a child.”

He added: “This energetic, expressive painting is such a positive affirmation of life. It's like a visual equivalent of one of his upbeat songs.”

Artist Damien Hirst also contributed artwork to be sold at the auction. He donated a signed limited-edition print of Patience 2019, which was inspired by the spiritual symolism of the butterfly.

The auction, which runs until November 8, is now open to online bidders. See the auction website for more details.

Additional reporting by Press Association