A signed guitar by Queen legend Brian May is being auctioned by a hospice in Kent to help raise vital funds to support its work.

It will go under the hammer alongside paintings, ceramics, sculptures and even jewellery donated by local artists in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice in its first-ever online auction.

The Art of Kent Auction will take place on Friday October 16, and Sunday October 18.

It hopes to raise £10,000 so the charity in Aylesford can continue its work supporting terminally ill patients and their families.

Each piece up for grabs will be donated by celebrity, professional and amateur artists all with Kent connections.

Brian May visited Bradfields Academy in Walderslade in 2015 as part of his Common Decency campaign.

Kent artist and illustrator, Graham Clarke who is also one of Britain's best-selling printmakers, is taking part by donating an original etching.

Graham, who is also Artistic Patron for the Hospice’s sculpture trail next year said: "I am very pleased to donate one of my own original etchings – “County Town” - produced some years ago, it deals with many aspects of the town’s unique and fascinating history.

"I trust that the purchasers of the artworks from the auction will enjoy them and that they and the artists themselves will be pleased to have helped this wonderful local charity.”

Jack Frame based in the Creative Quarter of Folkestone is donating two pieces.

He studied at The Kent Institute of Art & Design and was tipped early on as one of the most collectable young artists in the UK after receiving the GSA Painting award and the Prize for Landscape Drawing.

His work captures the world in a vivid, intense and dramatic way.

The Hospice Community Partnerships Fundraiser, Karen Newton-Anker, says she has been overwhelmed by the response.

She added: “We are thrilled that so many artists have donated their work and by the outstanding quality and diversity.

“The artwork ranges from paintings and photography to ceramics and jewellery. We have a limited-edition piece from Jim Moir and a completely unexpected and very welcome lot from legendary Queen guitarist Brian May in the form of a signed guitar.

"The works of art appeal to a wide variety of tastes and budgets, so we encourage everyone to register and view everything the auction has to offer.”

Art lovers will be able to register their bids in advance of the auction which starts at 7:00pm.

The hammer goes down at 10:00pm on Sunday October 18 when the highest bids will secure their unique pieces of artwork.

To find out more and register interest click here , or email Karen at karen.newton@hokh.co.uk.

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