Artists help Shelter launch House of Cards campaign » Housing » 24dash.com

Fifty-two of the country’s leading artists including Damien Hirst, Marc Quinn, David Bailey and Vivienne Westwood have come together to create a unique collection of art inspired by Shelter’s House of Cards campaign.

The housing charity has invited the artists to design playing cards from the deck for an exhibition and fundraising auction in support of its work, as part of the House of Cards campaign created by Leo Burnett London.

Original pieces of photography, installation, street art, graphic design, painting and textiles make up the diverse collection. Other artists and designers involved include Rankin, designing the King of Diamonds, Alexander McQueen creating the King of Spades, and Boo Ritson creating the 8 of Hearts.

The full deck will be on display at the Haunch of Venison gallery in London from this Thursday (September 24) until Monday (September 28). Entrance to the exhibition is free.

Members of the public can place silent bids on the artwork throughout the exhibition, with a selection of the pieces going into a live auction on the closing night.

The exhibition will also include a 53rd card created by a member of the public and chosen through a nationwide competition launched by Shelter and Metro newspapers.

Shelter’s chief executive Sam Younger said: “We’re delighted that the very best in British art and design have come together to help us create this once in a life time event.

“The exhibition will help raise vital awareness of the depth of Britain’s housing crisis. With an estimated 65,000 homes facing repossession this year and six million households suffering stress and depression because of housing costs, more and more people are coming to Shelter for help and support.”

Photographer Tom Hunter, who created the Queen of Diamonds, said: “Having a home is core to people's happiness and security. I lived in a squat for many years and can really remember the insecure feeling that living in temporary housing gives you. I hope this exhibition will highlight the fundamental need for everyone to have a home.”

One thousand limited edition oversized packs of cards featuring the artwork from the exhibition will be on sale at www.shelterhouseofcards.org.uk from Thursday September 24. All profits from the sale of these cards, which retail at £70, will go to Shelter.