Art Auction

Prisoner's art to be auctioned to support Shropshire Project

Inmates at prisons in Shrewsbury and across the West Midlands are showing their artistic skills to support a project designed to help stop them returning to crime when they are released back into the community.

Paintings and a wide selection of other items crafted by the prisoners will go under the hammer at an auction next month to raise money for the Fresh Start New Beginnings Project.

Andrew Beeston, senior auctioneer and valuer at leading Shropshire fine art auction house Halls, has agreed to conduct the auction at the Lord Hill Hotel, Shrewsbury on November 1 at 6.30pm.

The auction has been organised by Annamarie Balram, project manager, who explained that 66 per cent of prisoners reoffend within two years of being released from prison, often because they have no home to go to, lack support and have limited chances of finding employment because they lack the necessary skills.

The project recruits volunteer mentors to work with prisoners three months before their release and for 12 months after they leave prison and return to the communities of Shropshire.

"The auction has come about because prisoners at Shrewsbury, Lichfield and Uttoxeter wanted to do something to support the project," explained Ms Balram. "Some people that arrive in prison have wonderful skills, but many are unaware of their own talents.

We celebrate these skills, whilst encouraging the development of those talents, and help unlock their potential. This auction allows Fresh Start New Beginnings to promote their artwork."

One Shrewsbury Prison inmate, Sven Dhalberg, has recently exhibited his paintings at Shrewsbury Market Hall.

Mr Beeston, who is based at Halls' Welsh Bridge headquarters in Shrewsbury, said: "We are happy to support this worthwhile project that fosters the rehabilitation of offenders through art.

"The auction may help to identify potential stars of the future who are currently within the prison system."

For more information about the auction contact Ms Balram on Tel 01743 273063.