Exclusive Testino Diana print on view ahead of charity auction
One of photographer Mario Testino's most renowned prints of Diana, Princess of Wales, has been put on show to the public before being auctioned on the 20 November.
Friday 9 November 2007
The exclusive print famously appeared in Vanity Fair in 1997and also featured on the invitations to the recent concert organised by Prince Harry and Prince William in their mother's memory.
The print is being put up for auction by Testino to raise funds for Save the Children's work in the photographer's homeland, Peru, where families are still struggling to return to normal after the quake. The earthquake hit the country on August 15 this year.
Almost three months after the devastating earthquake, life remains difficult for the more than 47,000 residents of Pueblo Nuevo district in Chincha, one of the hardest-hit areas in the province. Overall, almost 100,000 houses were destroyed and 1,200 schools damaged during the quake.
Already poor before the quake struck, many businesses were damaged leaving people struggling to make a living. Many now find it hard to raise the cash needed to send their children to school. The funds raised will be used by Save the Children to help rebuild schools in Pueblo Nuevo district.
"Auctioning this print is one of the best ways I can think of trying to raise funds quickly to help reach those affected in Peru," said Testino. "This print was originally a portrait of a wonderful woman and has become an iconic image, being the last portrait taken of her. I hope the incredible story behind this print and the knowledge that its value is something that will go to help hundreds of Peruvians will make this a successful auction. Diana went out of her way to help people. It seems fitting that even her memory can continue her good work."
The auction house, Phillips de Pury, is opening bidding for the print on 20th November at 3:30 PM. The viewings of the print are open to the public from 10-5pm Tuesday-Saturday at Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square for the three weeks prior to the sale.
