An original ink drawing of Captain Pugwash in front of Rye by John Ryan is a highlight of this year’s Rye Bonfire Society Grand Auction on Wednesday 3 June. The unique picture has been donated by Isabel Ryan and the John Ryan estate and is already getting a lot of attention. There are many more items to bid for, as you can see below.
John Ryan, who lived in Rye, often drew Pugwash with the town in the background as a gift or birthday card for local people, but this picture is unique and very special to the family said Isabel Ryan. “It was on the wall on the stairs in the family home for many years. My mother Priscilla blu-tacked it up as you can see from the marks on the paper. It’s dated from 2000 but I’ve no idea why it was drawn although Pugwash was my father’s favourite character.”
The auction catalogue describes the artwork as Captain Horatio Pugwash posing in front of his beloved Rye. In the much loved Pugwash stories he made his home in the town whilst continuing his smuggling for a corrupt mayor.
Isabel said she hopes it raises a lot of money in the auction at The Mermaid Inn, “It’s a very unusual piece of work as my father signed it in capitals. It’s done it’s duty for us so I thought it was time to help raise some funds for our brilliant bonfire society.”
Formerly known as the auction of promises, this year’s event has been given an update by The Fundraising Females. Don’t panic though, it’s just the name. The format remains the same, if it’s not broken and all that.
The auction has been an annual fixture for nearly as long as the November bonfire celebrations. Another tradition is that it is held in the historic gem that is the Mermaid Inn, whose unending support for the Rye and District Bonfire Society is forever greatly appreciated, and the grand auction will be taking place there again this year, with a complimentary glass of wine included in the £5 entry fee.
Auctioneer, Kevin Wall from Rye Auction Galleries, has done a sterling job on the rostrum the past few years, but will definitely have his work cut out this time around, as the amazing businesses and friends of the bonfire society have donated a whopping 100 lots.
Sally Walker, one of the organisers, said, “‘We really are blown away by how much love this fantastic town has for the Bonfire Society, it never ceases to surprise us as to how generous people are. Thank you all so much!”
As previously mentioned, there really is something for everyone with bidding starting from just £5 or £10 on some items, and this year we really do have an eclectic mix of goodies, many of which have been showcased on social media over the past week or two.
A catalogue listing all 100 lots is now available by emailing funding@ryebonfire.co.uk. We can also provide details on how to place an absentee bid, just in case anyone really can’t make it on the night, but it would be such a shame to miss out on what promises to be such a good night! Everyone is welcome and we can’t wait to see you at the auction.
To whet your appetite, here are a few teasers of what is going under the hammer…
An overnight stay at the Mermaid Inn, the ghosts are an optional extra! Overnight stays also up for grabs include The George and Haydens, both situated on the High Street, and the Whitehouse – we promise you won’t need to worry about sharing with Mr Trump though! It’s Rye’s Whitehouse, also on the High Street…
A few other tantalising lots are: a wine aerator, Ryebellion (yep, we’re flogging the drummers), a bobble hat, cuddly toy(s) – Whoo Hoo, a variety of chopping boards, Rye Harbour Seal Safari, lots of boozy selections and sweet treats, Rye Jazz Festival tickets, champagne breakfast at Jeakes House, Sunday lunch at the Queen’s Head, dinner at No 50, a town walk with the Town Crier, and a selection of absolutely fantastic art work, including a piece to be unveiled on the day from Prince Romanov, as well as pictures in this article.
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Image Credits: Barbara Astley-Morton/John Ryan Estate , John Ryan Estate , Barbara Astley-Morton .