An online auction of artwork, created for the Indie band IDLES’ latest album, has raised thousands of pounds for Samaritans.
Fans bid for exclusive works by Idles singer Joe Talbot with other artists including former Maccabees vocalist, Orlando Weeks, along with Tom Ham and Tao Lashley-Burnley.
Talbot’s front cover of ‘Joy As An Act of Resistance’ saw the highest bid, selling for a fantastic £2,450.
Each piece in the collection was inspired by a track on the album, which includes the song Samaritans, which criticises ideas of masculinity that stop men speaking out and getting help when they are struggling.
The artwork drew fans from across the globe when it formed the basis of pop-up exhibitions in London, New York and Paris.
IDLES frontman Joe Talbot said: “Samaritans represents something a lot of people don’t have, which is someone to listen. It’s saved a few people’s lives that I know, and that’s a beautiful thing.”
Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland said: “We are grateful to everyone who bid for and bought these fantastic items, and for the creativity and generosity of IDLES for raising money for us in this way. The auction has also helped raise awareness of what Samaritans does, and encouraged men and women to look after their well-being – it’s OK to speak out if you are going through a tough time.”
