Ed Sheeran art being auctioned to raise money for Suffolk charity

He’s collaborated with a 14 year old artist known as Background Bob

The Ed Sheeran collaboration

Author: Sian RochePublished 22 hours ago

Fans of Ed Sheeran have the chance to own an original artwork from the Suffolk local.

The musician’s collaborated with a 14-year-old artist, known as Background Bob, on a piece which is being auctioned off to raise money for a local Suffolk charity.

Background Bob, whose real name is Noah, has created around 250 new pieces, which are going under the hammer to raise funds for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

As well as collaborating with Ed Sheeran, Noah’s also worked with Joe Lycett, Grayson Perry, Phill Jupitus and street art stars such as Shepard Fairey and Mr Doidl.

The Grayson Perry Collaboration

Noah’s family, who live in Dedham, have already raised £150,000 for the charity since Background Bob began.

The money raised during this auction will be used to support children’s services at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals, which are run by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).

Dad Nathan said: “This project has been a true display of how loving and supportive the art community can be. It’s been a real joy to see so many artists come forward to get involved. They will forever be ‘Background Bob family’.

“This project has enriched my son’s life incredibly and he’s loved every minute.”

The Background Bob project

The Background Bob project sees Noah paint a colourful background onto card before a celebrity or street artist adds a design on top.

Background Bob aka Noah

It launched during the first COVID-19 lockdown, when Nathan reached out via social media to ask artists from across the world to consider collaborating with Noah, who loves to paint.

Since then, Noah and his family have put together three collections, all of which have been exhibited at Firstsite in Colchester before going under the hammer.

Dan Bailey, senior fundraising manager with Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said: “Noah and his family have raised a staggering total for our charity and we’re incredibly grateful to them for their ongoing support. Their dedication is making a huge difference to the people who use our hospitals every day.

“Our thanks also go to all of the celebrities and artists who have so generously given up their time to contribute to this groundbreaking project. We really do appreciate their support.”

The auction runs until Sunday (15 October).