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A unique Silent Art Auction opens at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on 13th May when the very last pieces of rare English alabaster will go on sale in the form of ten exclusive sculptures by Vivien Whitaker ARBS to raise money for a new Steinway C piano for Sheffield based arts charity, Music in the Round.

Whitaker is celebrated internationally for her work which responds directly to each piece of this beautiful Derbyshire stone, with its translucent quality and dramatic veining. She carves directly, without a plan – working with the alabaster to create a sculpture rather than impose a design. These last pieces of English alabaster come from Dove Dale in the Peak District and were bought from the last functioning alabaster mines – all the mines are now closed and back filled.

Whitaker has organised the auction as a way of supporting Music in the Round’s campaign to buy a new piano for concerts in the intimate setting of the Crucible Studio Theatre where audiences surround the musicians and are never more than 20ft away.

She is a Life Long Patron of the charity, and said: ‘I’m a great fan of Music in the Round, and their resident group Ensemble 360, whose pianist Tim Horton is half way through a complete cycle of Beethoven’s piano sonatas. Their music stimulates life-enhancing joy, frequently offering new experiences and surprises.

‘Their May Festivals are a very exciting time for me as a sculptor. Being immersed in live classical music enhances my creativity and my hands go wild.

‘This year’s festival celebrates English music so it seemed appropriate to offer a Silent Auction of unique, specially commissioned small classical sculptures as a way of supporting the campaign to buy a new piano, so that we can all continue to benefit from the wonderful music.’

The auction will take place from 13th to 18th May during Music in the Round’s annual May Festival. Bidding will open on 13th when bidders can register their interest in person or on Music in the Round’s website, where images of all the works can be seen. Bidding continues throughout the week with bids submitted on sheets or via the website, rather than in person in one session. All the proceeds will go towards the cost of a new piano.

Executive Director Deborah Chadbourn said:

‘We are bowled over by Vivien’s incredibly generous offer and the effort she’s put into making it happen, and we love the connection she makes between the inspirational music we present, and the creative process she goes through to make her work. Vivien’s sculptures, like Tim’s

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