Lincoln movie auctions off coveted props to raise money for Wicklow Hospice Foundation thanks to Daniel Day Lewis
By Genna Patterson
Daniel Day Lewis is a good soul really. Ever since his mother had hospice care in England in 2009, he has been a supporter of Wicklow Hospice Foundation. After the premiere of Lincoln in the Savoy, on Sunday January 20 at 4pm, the donated props will be auctioned off, at a charity event in the Burlington Hotel. And it seems the stakes are high, as American bidders have caught wind of the auction items. The charity has agreed to accept commission bids by email to marie@wicklowhospice.ie in advance of the charity event on Sunday.
The props from the Academy Award nominated movie that will be auctioned off include: signed set photos stills, posters and gloves signed by Day Lewis and Steven Spielberg, a replica of Lincoln’s pocket knife and gloves, a hardbound script copy and signed paintings of Spielberg by local artist Mark Baker and one of Day Lewis by Eoin O’Connor. Other donated items include a $4,000 diamond ring, Moet, Boxing Gloves signed by Katie Taylor, a fender guitar signed by Kasabian and an Arsenal package.
Painting of Steven Spielberg by Mark Baker.
American fans are so interested in some of the sought-after props that they have signed up with pre-auction bids. It is rare for such props to become available to the public after a movie wraps, but Day Lewis asked Steven Spielberg as a personal favour to donate the items.
The money raised will go toward building a new centre for Wicklow Hospice at a site donated by the Columban Sisters at Magheramore, Brittas Bay. To date the people of Wicklow have raised €2.4 million of the €3 million target to build the new Hospice facility. Currently families in Wicklow have to travel for miles to the nearest facility offering their loved ones hospice care.
Wicklow Hospice Foundation Chair Dr. Brendan Cuddihy, says the charity has been overwhelmed by the interest from the US, and are hopeful that it is a sign that the auction will be a success:
“Wicklow Hospice Foundation will accept commission bids for the night by email. We have also decided to make some of the film props available through an on-line auction after the premiere next week, so there is worldwide access to some of the memorabilia. Hopefully this will raise further funds to build the Wicklow Hospice.”
Items available after the auction include props such as Tad’s toy soldier set, Confederate Peace Proposal, Letter from Lincoln to Grant, Mary’s scorecard, and much more.
If you are interested in bidding or donating to Wicklow Hospice, email marie@wicklowhospice.ie
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