A traditional red phone box transformed by model and actress Lily Cole was the centrepiece at a gala reception to celebrate BT ArtBox.
Lily – together with leading artists and designers – have been asked to put their own artistic twist on the classic red box for the BT ArtBox project, which is taking over London this summer, to help raise funds for ChildLine’s 25th anniversary.
Lily was joined by guests including BT Ambassador for London 2012 Kelly Holmes, and ChildLine founder Esther Rantzen, at the reception, held at the Dorchester Hotel.
Suzi Williams, BT marketing and brand director, said: “BT ArtBox is a fantastic way to celebrate ChildLine’s 25th anniversary.
“Summer 2012 is an exciting time in an exciting city and BT ArtBox is at the heart of it.
“It’s been great to see peoples’ reactions to the boxes and we’re proud to be making a difference.”
The event included entertainment from BT River of Music artist Andy Sheppard and the London Community Gospel Choir, as well as a live auction which raised just under £20,000 for ChildLine.
The BT ArtBoxes will be on display in high-profile locations around the capital until 16 July, before being auctioned off at a VIP Gala Auction at the National Portrait Gallery on 18 July to raise funds for ChildLine.
Participating artists – including 2002 Turner prize-winner Keith Tyson, pop artist Romero Britto, sculptor David Mach, and fashion designers Giles Deacon and Zandra Rhodes – have styled a full-size, fibre-glass replica of the Sir Giles Gilbert Scott-designed original K6 telephone kiosk, which was introduced in 1936 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the coronation of King George V.
Esther Rantzen, ChildLine founder and patron of the BT ArtBox project, said: “It’s fantastic that the proceeds from the sale of the boxes will raise vital funds to support the work of ChildLine, enabling us to help many more children and young people to get comfort, advice and protection when they need it most.”
