Country Living asked a selection of Britain’s best celebrity talent, including Cath Kidston, Jan Constantine, Sophie Conran, Sarah Raven and fashion company Toast to donate fantastic one-off products and experiences, with all proceeds going to the magazine’s charity of the year.
The Celebrity Craft Auction formed part of Country Living’s celebration of the UK’s home-grown skills and launched the Kitchen Table Talent Awards at the Country Living Spring Fair in March.
Of the 20 items, donated by celebrities whose businesses have grown from kitchen-table concepts, a private tuition for eight at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School topped the list with a bid of £1,265 and an Emma Bridgewater teapot closed at £311.55.
Other celebrity donations included an Emma Hope silk velvet bag, a Cabbages & Roses hacking jacket, a Roger Oates Chatham rug and a Sophie Conran for Portmeirion salad bowl.
The auction marked the launch of The Country Living Magazine Kitchen Table Talent Awards, closing on 3rd June. A winner will be chosen for each of the six categories: Best Cook, Gardener, Home Designer, Writer, Artist and Craftsperson with prizes including courses, cash and a Blackberry Torch (uk.blackberry.com) to help them to develop their talent.
A panel of Country Living tastemakers, including small business entrepreneur Emma Jones and leading pottery designer Emma Bridgewater, will handpick the category winners before selecting one individual to be crowned The Kitchen Table Talent of the Year. Their talent will make the transition from pastime to full-time and this progression will be followed online and in the magazine.
Country Living Editor Susy Smith says, “The Country Living eBay Celebrity Craft Auction has been a great success and thanks to all the celebrities who donated their one-off pieces to raise vital funds for The Prince’s Countryside Fund. In this tough economic climate home-grown talent needs to be recognised and given a helping hand which is why we’ve launched our Kitchen Table Talent Awards.”
