Pratham UK confirm exciting final auction lots for their upcoming Annual Gala  

With just days aways until the return of Pratham UK’s Annual Gala at Raffles London at The OWO, Whitehall on Friday 8th November, we’re excited to share the details of a key part of the night – our live and silent auctions!

We have an incredible line up of live auction lots for guests to bid on, from luxury getaways and incredible artwork to an exclusive culinary experience and priceless cricket memorabilia, all presented by the charismatic, former Senior Auctioneer at Sotheby’s, Edward Rising!

We’ve been sharing a few sneak peeks over the last few weeks; however, we now have a final list of our generous live auction supporters with a little more detail of what’s on offer!

LIVE AUCTION

Luxury getaway for up to six guests in Bella Umbria, Italy
Courtesy of Vilas and Reita Gadkari
Estimated value: £12,000

Nestled in a 300-acre property close to Perugia are three one-bed, independent hilltop cottages. Up to six people (three couples) can enjoy a week-long holiday in luxurious, interior-designed cottages that reflect the rustic beauty of this ancient place. Surrounded by fragrant gardens, it’s the ideal place to rejuvenate.

Enjoy fabulous Italian cuisine, a game of golf in one of the best courses in Italy (just over a mile away), or stroll through stunning countryside and beautiful medieval villages after which you can treat yourself to designer shopping.

T&Cs:

• Valid for a one-week holiday from 15 April – 30 May 2025 OR 20 September – 30 October 2025
• Property features an 18-metre pool, tennis court, gym, and pétanque
• Staff available from 10am-12pm to freshen up rooms and offer a continental breakfast
• Package includes a 4-course Italian dinner prepared by onsite chef, and property owner Reita (wine not included)
• Gadkari can work directly with you to arrange a wine tasting, truffle hunting (seasonal), olive picking (seasonal), massages and yoga classes.

Signed cricket bat by the legendary former cricket player Sourav Ganguly, or ‘Dada’
Courtesy of DreamSetGo
Estimated value: Priceless

A priceless collectors’ item for cricket enthusiasts, signed by one of the world’s great cricket legends, Sourav Ganguly. Arguably India’s most successful Test Cricket Captain, ‘Dada’ led the Indian team like no other during his captaincy in the early 2000s and is internationally recognised for his contributions to the wonderful game of cricket in India.

During his impressive playing career, Sourav Ganguly became known as one of the world’s top batsmen, especially in the one-day format. His iconic moment waving his shirt at Lord’s Cricket Ground is one seared in every Indian cricket fan’s memory!

A private feast for 10 guests at Brigadiers, London
Courtesy of JKS Restaurants
Estimated value: £3,500

Indulge in an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence with a private dining experience for up to 10 guests at the renowned Brigadiers restaurant. Nestled in the heart of the City, Brigadiers offers a vibrant atmosphere inspired by the traditional Indian military mess, featuring a unique blend of bold flavours and exquisite presentation.

You and your guests can enjoy a mouthwatering menu crafted by Brigadiers’ talented chefs, showcasing a delightful array of authentic Indian dishes. From tantalising appetisers to delectable main courses, each dish will be paired with carefully selected wines to enhance your dining experience.

T&Cs:

• Drinks include a welcome drink and sommelier chosen wine
• Booking in advance required
• Voucher is valid for 10 months and cannot be redeemed during the month of December or key dates e.g. Valentine’s Day (please ask when booking)

Follow Brigadiers London on Instagram.

Utsava | Natasha Kumar
Courtesy of Natasha Kumar
Estimated value: £3,500

Natasha Kumar’s, ‘Utsava’ is a celebration of life, family and belonging. It combines ancient Indian aesthetic and identity through actual, figurative representation and abstract sensibility. This is a unique work on paper, in Kumar’s signature bold colours; brilliant bright blues and her multi-layered style; drawing, collograph, etching, screenprint and 22 carat gold leaf. She has incorporated architectural motifs such as the Jali screen and pictorial elements from Mughal miniatures. The drummers beat the rhythm of everyday life, the swirling, dancing women, hand in hand, capture a universal joyful human experience. The infinite geometric design links all, a microcosm against the macrocosm, the white floral motifs are uppermost, scattered liberally throughout the scene. It is ‘Utsava’, a joyous occasion.

Natasha Kumar is an established British Indian artist based in the UK. She first exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer show at the age of 17 and has since exhibited regularly in the UK art fairs and worldwide. Her work is in private collections in India and in Soho House, Mumbai.

This prize is for the original framed artwork and the Limited Edition Tilda Tin, bag and scarf as part of the Tilda x Natasha Kumar 2023 Collaboration.

Follow Natasha on Instagram.

A luxury week’s stay for up to eight people in St Paul de Vence, South France
Courtesy of Percy and Dina Marchant
Estimated value: £10,000

This beautiful old MAAS style house overlooks the medieval village of St Paul de Vence with a distant view of the Mediterranean and is only a 20-minute drive to Nice and a 40-minute drive to Cannes. The main house has four stunning bedrooms and is decorated in a beautiful and minimalistic fashion by Jacqueline Morabito, both inside and outside. There is a bijoux heated swimming pool with a bridge suspended above it, a table tennis table, a boule pit, and the perfect BBQ area for entertaining loved ones and guests.

A housekeeper is included for three hours per weekday, and a part-time private driver can be arranged if need be (via separate payment). Surrounded by an acre of woodland, this is the perfect holiday home for family and friends to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the South of France: dine in the splendour of the Colombe d’or, visit Fondation Maeght, go to the beach in Cap Antibes or even in Italy (45 minutes’ drive) or explore fashionable Nice.

T&Cs:

• Please note, the family tend to use the villa for a week over the Easter vacation and in late July/August. The family do not rent the villa, but have been kind enough to donate the villa to us for a week – valid until October 2025.

Untitled | Harm Gerdes
Courtesy of Harm Gerdes and kindly sourced by Caroline Cole
Estimated value: £12,700

Untitled (2024) evokes the warmth and transition of an Indian summer. The vibrant, rich colours and flowing forms suggest a final, fleeting burst of energy, much like the warm, extended autumn period the term refers to. This gives the painting a feeling of nostalgic beauty and seasonal change. The dynamic shapes and interplay of hues evoke a sense of both serenity and subtle tension, embodying the natural cycles of transformation.

Harm Gerdes lives and works in Athens and graduated from the Düsseldorf Kunstakademie in 2020. His paintings are abstract explorations of colour, composition, and materiality, treating them as sculptural objects. He has had successful solo exhibitions in cities such as Milan and Seoul, exhibited at Frieze London and Art Basel Miami, and was recently featured in the FT Weekend.

Follow Harm Gerdes on Instagram.

Caroline Cole is a London-based art advisor, specialising in the global fine art market. With a strong research-driven approach, Caroline helps build prominent art collections and identifies market trends. She has been featured in the HBO documentary, ‘The Price of Everything’ and is a patron of leading international art institutions such as the Guggenheim, Royal Academy of Arts, Centre Pompidou, and Tate.

Contact details for Caroline:

• Email: acc@acc-art.com
• Instagram: @cborg.art

SILENT AUCTION

As well as our exciting live auction, Gala guests have a selection of silent auction lots to bid on. Here is a list of our generous silent auction supporters with a little more detail of what’s on offer.

One night stay at Raffles London at The OWO

Courtesy of Raffles London at The OWO

Enjoy a one-night stay for two in Pratham UK’s opulent Gala venue at Raffles London at The OWO. Relax in a classic room and enjoy some breakfast the following morning in London’s newest luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

T&Cs: Classic room only. Blackout dates apply.

Abstract painting by London-based artist Taran Mathur

Courtesy of Taran Mathur

Passionate about painting since the age of 3, Taran Mathur is an independent, self-taught artist who has played with various art mediums and strokes. His experimental artwork caught his school-teacher’s eye, and at the age of 11, his art was displayed at the iconic Royal Academy of Art.

Since then, there has been no turning back for Taran. Seizing any spare time he got, he spent nights painting abstract art on canvases. He set up his own website where he displayed his art. This online presence led to him being approached by the New Artist Fair, which resulted in his first art exhibition in 2016.

Taran has used his art to support charitable institutions. By auctioning his art, he has raised substantial amounts for charities such as The Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis and Pratham. He has participated in the Pratham Art Exhibition at the Nehru Centre as well at the Pratham Gala.

His artwork, ‘Algarve’ is a bold abstract painting, captivating viewers with the entrancing colours that almost seem to move on the canvas.  The varying shades of blue and white are blended in dynamic and intentional strokes, creating a sense of depth and movement that compels the eye across the canvas. Algarve was on exhibition in Venice during the Art Biennale 2024.

Acrylic on canvas painting, size 60cm x 60cm, unframed. 

Follow Taran Mathur on Instagram.

Private Dining for 6 People at Benares, Mayfair
Courtesy of Benares 

Named after the ancient spiritual capital of India, Benares seamlessly marries tradition with daring modernity, capturing the essence of India’s diverse culinary landscape. Their menu finds inspiration in the vibrant street food culture that permeates every corner of the Indian subcontinent.

Enjoy a unique private dining with your guests in an experience which blends cultural richness and innovation – it’s no surprise Benares is an award-winning, Michelin-starred gem in Mayfair.

Follow Benares on Instagram.

Physiotherapy Package at London Sport Physio 
Courtesy of London Sport Physio

Transform your well-being with a complete physiotherapy experience, designed to assess, treat, and rehabilitate. This package is perfect for anyone seeking to enhance their physical health or recover from an injury.

Included in this auction lot is an initial physiotherapy assessment, a treatment session and rehabilitation session.

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Lexi became a registered massage therapist in 2012 and established her own practice while studying Health Sciences in 2014. After relocating to London, UK, she earned her Masters in Physiotherapy, enriching her skill set.

Follow London Sport Physio on Instagram.

‘Actress Muses’ by Alison Jones
Courtesy of Alison Jones and kindly sources by Caroline Cole

Actress Muses is an echo of the Judgement of Paris. Three goddesses of the screen pose on the front row at a couture catwalk event, each offering themselves to the decisive moment of the camera.

Preoccupied with the to-be-looked-at-ness of femininity, Alison Jones’ paintings take vicarious visual pleasure in this quality, as a female spectator, a cinema-goer, reader of luxury magazines, an Instagram scroller. Her paintings explore the messy entanglement of the female gaze in depictions of dressing up and showing off that draw attention to, but also wilfully muddle any clear commentary on femininity and objectification.

Follow Alison Jones on Instagram.

Beautiful Shimmer Navy Couture Gown
Courtesy of YUNIKULONDON

Designed with liquid fabric that ripples with each graceful step, dress to impress with this navy shimmered gathered gown by YUNIKULONDON from their Couture Collection.

• Strategic gathering sculpts the waist, enhancing the plunging V-neckline
• Shimmering metallic threads woven throughout mimic flickering starlight
• Lightweight shape floats over curves with ethereal ease

This gown is perfect for seaside nuptials and Saturday night soirees, offering a flirtatiously sophisticated style statement. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it ensures effortless elegance and timeless allure.

Follow YUNIKULONDON on Instagram.

VIP Shopping Experience at Bicester Village
Courtesy of The Bicester Collection

Lavish in a little luxury while spending the day with friends at luxury shopping destination Bicester Village, home to more than 150 boutiques of the world’s leading brands.

The luxury shopping experience includes:

• A £1,000 Bicester Village Gift Card
• Return chauffeur service from London to the Village
• All day access to The Apartment
• Champagne breakfast on arrival
• Lunch for four at Cecconi’s in the Village
• Hands-free Shopping
• Reserved Parking

Follow The Bicester Collection on Instagram.

‘Poison’ Artwork by Siti Aina Zulkifle
Courtesy of Antara Martins

Originally commissioned by Antara for her poetry book ‘Poison’, Siti Aina’s work reflects the emotional depth and transformation expressed in the title poem. The central figure is depicted in a swirl of vibrant and contrasting colours, evoking the chaos and complexity of emotions described in the poem. As the poem moves from childhood innocence to a darker, more disillusioned understanding of love and fairy tales, the painting mirrors this journey—each colour representing a different layer of experience, from hope to betrayal, innocence to self-empowerment. 

A brilliant visual accompaniment to ‘Poison’, this piece captures the tumultuous evolution of the poem’s narrative in a visually compelling form.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Package 
Courtesy of Beena Menon at The Hale Clinic

Experience the rejuvenating power of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) designed to enhance your overall well-being and vitality. HBOT is commonly used for overall health and wellness including anti-ageing and beauty, sports endurance and recovery, improving energy levels and in the treatment and management of chronic conditions and disease. 

As well as being used by professional sports clubs and leading plastic surgeons to expedite healing after a surgery or injury, it can also be a great cure for jet lag and hangovers!

This package is for five x 1-hour sessions conducted by the experts at The Hale Clinic. 

Photographic artworks by Arjun Paliwal

Bid for a chance to own breathtaking photographic works by the talented Arjun Paliwal. Known for his masterful composition and evocative storytelling, Arjun captures moments that are both thought-provoking and visually striking. His work has drawn attention in contemporary art circles for its unique approach to landscape, portraiture, and the play of light and shadow. Each piece in this collection promises to bring an inspiring touch of art and culture to your space.

‘Marigolds’ by Shalini Bharadwaj
Courtesy of Shalini Bharadwaj

Marigolds is part of Shalini’s Blue Door series. The blue door stands like a silent sentinel, its weathered surface hinting at all it has witnessed and the journeys it has silently observed. Its mature presence is playfully interrupted by a vibrant flash of colour and fragrance. The marigolds, with their golden petals, exude warmth and vitality, symbolising joy, prosperity and auspicious beginnings. 

Together, the artwork evokes a sense of nostalgia, an intertwined sentiment of reverence for the past and a celebration of the present.

Specifications: Framed Artist Proof first edition (limited series), 100x120cm and giclee print on archival quality 310gsm textured paper. Reproduced from an original painting in acrylic by artist Shalini Bharadwaj.

Follow Shalini Bharadwaj on Instagram.

A dozen cases of Cobra Beer

Known for its smooth taste and distinctive blend of quality ingredients, Cobra Beer makes a perfect addition to any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a big family gathering, or simply stocking up, these cases will keep you well-prepared for all kinds of toasts and cheers.

Big thanks go to our generous donors for all our amazing lots. We’re thrilled to have everyone on board helping to make this year’s Gala the best yet!

If you have any questions about this year’s Gala or would like to enquire about any of the auction items listed, please email: hello@pratham.org.uk.