Rolls-Royce Paddington Snapped-Up By Tracey Emin In Aid Of The NSPCC

Paddington Bear found a new home courtesy of Tracey Emin, who snapped it up at a Christie’s auction in aid of the NSPCC last night.

The Rolls-Royce Paddington, named the ‘Spirit of Paddington’, was envisioned by the marque’s Design Director, Giles Taylor and crafted by the Bespoke craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. The design took inspiration from the marque’s founding forefather Hon. CS Rolls, a noted adventurer and pioneer aviator, and Paddington fittingly sports a fetching brown leather duffel jacket, aviators’ cravat and MK8 racing goggles that allude to Rolls’ legend as the original gentleman racer.

Statues of Paddington designed by some of the most revered names in art, design and culture were made available for auction at the star-studded event. In total £462,500 was raised on the night with the promise of more through an online sale, curated by Christie’s. Following the auction, Tracy Emin generously donated the ‘Spirit of Paddington’ back to the NSPCC for future display.

“I am honoured that our Paddington has inspired such generosity from Tracey Emin, one of the nation’s most eminent artists,” said Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “We have all thoroughly enjoyed bringing such a well-loved character to life and are absolutely delighted that our Charles Rolls-inspired bear has played its part in raising vital funds for the NSPCC.”

The 50 Paddingtons formed the Paddington Trail which ran in London throughout November and early December to help celebrate the release of the Paddington movie whilst raising funds for the NSPCC. The film from STUDIOCANAL and Heyday Films is written and directed by Paul King (Bunny and the Bull, The Mighty Boosh), produced by David Heyman (Gravity, Harry Potter) and boasts an all-star cast including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Peter Capaldi, Jim Broadbent and Nicole Kidman with Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington.