More than 500 original artworks, all created on envelopes, are on display at Gallery Different in Fitzrovia. The show supports The National Brain Appeal’s 12th A Letter in Mind exhibition and runs until March 28.
Each piece is sold anonymously for £85, with the artist’s identity revealed at the end of the exhibition once the artwork has sold.
Contributors include artist Sir Grayson Perry, designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, actor Stephen Campbell Moore, and journalist Andrew Marr.
Mr Campbell Moore, who previously underwent treatment at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, is a long-time supporter of the charity.
Mr Campbell Moore said: “A Letter in Mind is everything I love about about The National Brain Appeal’s fresh and light hearted approach to raising awareness, funding research and improving the quality of life for people affected by neurological and neuromuscular conditions.
“It’s fun, creative and has the added mystery of not knowing who created the artwork. Which in my case is fully appreciated! It is, however, a chance to spend some time each year both making something and personally considering the time I spent in the care of the brilliant doctors and nurses at the National Hospital, for which I remain forever grateful.”
All proceeds from the exhibition support The National Brain Appeal’s work at the Bloomsbury hospital, which treats conditions including stroke, dementia, brain cancer, and epilepsy.
The 2024 theme, Spring Forward, has inspired contributions from across the creative spectrum, with artists from Crouch End and Muswell Hill also taking part. Contributors from these areas include Jo Angell, Craig Barnard, Anne-Marie Butlin, Martin Davidson, and Mark Maier.
Islington artist Ishbel Myerscough, who has nine paintings in the National Portrait Gallery, has taken part in A Letter in Mind since 2018.
Ms Myerscough said: “I like that someone will be able to buy it for £85, something that they could never get in any other context. I make more effort because of the democracy and accessibility of it.”
Sir Grayson Perry, who has a studio in Islington, also offered his support for the project. He said: “Creating an artwork on an envelope is a simple and lovely way to support the NHS.”
Muswell Hill graphic designer and illustrator Anita Mangan has taken part every year since the exhibition began.
Ms Mangan, who lost her father to brain cancer, said: “I love getting involved in A Letter in Mind. Every year it is a different creative challenge and the fact that it raises money for such important work makes it doubly appealing. I can’t wait to see this year’s exhibition.”
Each envelope artwork is displayed without attribution. The identity of the artist is revealed at the end of the exhibition once the artwork has sold.
The exhibition can be viewed in person at Gallery Different, 14 Percy Street, London W1T 1DR, until March 28. It is also available to view online at aletterinmind.org.
Sales open online at 11am today (March 26).
