Dutch artist, Albert Zieck, will donate proceeds from the auction of his painting of the Battle of Arnhem to The Veterans’ Foundation.
Zieck’s artwork is called Remember the Heroes of the Battle of Arnhem and has a rough explosive quality with a sparce use of mainly reds, and black on a 120 cm x 40 cm canvas.
“I relied heavily on palette knives. It symbolises the chaos of war, and features the paras, the aeroplanes, the buildings. represented in fire, panic and smoke,” said Zieck.
It is part of a unique art project, The Airborne Collection, comprising 30 original works by Zieck commemorating the 80th memorial of Operation Market Garden, the failed Allied campaign to secure the bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem, near Holland’s eastern border with Germany.
The Battle of Arnhem began on 17th September, 1944 and took place over nine days before the Allies withdrew after meeting heavy German resistance.
The auction is open throughout September, almost exactly 80 years since the historic battle, and closes at midnight on 31st September, which is 1am on 1st October in Holland.
The painting also has a limited run of 300 high quality art prints on canvas and comes complete with a book of poems by Mieke Mintjes, inspired by Zieck’s paintings.
“What an inspiring and generous gesture to have an artwork dedicated and auctioned to raise funds to help veterans,” said The Veterans’ Foundation’s Fundraising Manager, Sarah Elliott.
“We are tremendously grateful that the auctioneers, Miraculous Projects, have chosen to support us in this way. The artwork is not only eye-catching and inspiring, it commemorates a significant battle of World War II. We know that those currently serving, veterans and their families, are also delighted with the support this will afford.”
Funds from the auction will go towards The Veterans’ Foundation, the Edinburgh-based charity that has supported more than 450 charities since it was launched in 2016. It has donated more than £23 million via more than 1,000 grant awards from funds raised by its Veterans’ Lottery, believed to be the largest charity lottery in the UK, as well as other fundraising initiatives.
To view the artworks, or to make a bid, visit https://auction.airborne80.nl/ and https://airborne80jaar.nl/?lang=en
