Architects for the Birds

A charity auction benefiting the Tessa Jowell Foundation

  • Event date 14 OCT
  • Event location LONDON
Architects for the Birds is a creative project in support of the Tessa Jowell Foundation’s mission to provide better treatment for people with brain cancer. The Tessa Jowell Foundation supports the innovation of NHS Brain Cancer Services in memory of Dame Tessa Jowell, former Secretary of State for Culture, who died of brain cancer in 2018. She was a much-loved and greatly missed figure and has left an enduring legacy.

For the project, conceived by Lord Foster of Thames Bank OM and Marie Donnelly, nine of the world’s leading architects were invited to explore the possibilities of a more intimate architectural challenge. Working to an open brief, each architect has designed a unique birdhouse that reflects the diversity of human imagination and explores our relationship with nature. Christie’s is proud to support Architects for the Birds and host the exhibition of these unique birdhouses in our London headquarters from 8 to 14 October. On the final day of the exhibition, the birdhouses will be auctioned to benefit the Tessa Jowell Foundation. Please note that 100% of the proceeds of this auction will be donated to the Foundation.

Participating architects: David Chipperfield, Frida Escobedo, Norman Foster, Sou Fujimoto, Grafton, Lina Ghotmeh, Jacques Herzog, Farshid Moussavi, Renzo Piano and Kazuyo Sejima.

An open book with a sketch of trees and hills on textured paper, lying on a dark fabric.

Exhibition

The image shows the exterior of an elegant building with pedestrians walking past and a red flag hanging beside the entrance.


Location
Christie’s London
8 King Street, St. James's
London SW1Y 6QT

Viewing
8–14 October
Weekdays, 9am – 5pm
Weekends, 12pm – 5pm

Post-sale collections
Crozier
Unit 7 Central Park
Central Way – Park Royal
London NW10 7FY
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 9am – 4:30pm

Contact
+44 (0) 20 7839 9060
info@christies.com

Architects for the Birds catalogue

Learn more about the inspiration behind each design in this online publication.

Enquiries

About The Tessa Jowell Foundation

Two people are hugging; one is wearing a knitted green hat and a black sweater, and there's a colorful abstract painting in the background.


The Tessa Jowell Foundation was founded to honour the legacy of the late Baroness Tessa Jowell, whose life’s work was devoted to improving lives through more compassionate, inclusive and equitable systems in public health. Today, the foundation plays a leading role in shaping bold, strategic initiatives, delivered in collaboration with partners to advance the innovation of brain cancer treatment and care. Through fundraising, advocacy and collaboration, the Foundation unites partners across the NHS, government, academia and civil society to drive systemic improvements in health. The foundation's mission is to create a world where the best cancer research, treatment and care are available to all.

20th/21st Century London

Explore art from the 20th and 21st centuries

Browse auction series
20th/21st Century Art auctions at Christie's

More from Christie’s

Browse all

Find what you love

Browse all art and objects

View all upcoming lots in Christie’s auctions and private sale works to buy now. Shop fine art, furniture, watches, jewellery, handbags and more.

Sell NFTs at Christie's

Sell with Christie’s

Request an auction estimate

Christie’s can guide you through the entire auction process. Once we have determined that your property is appropriate for sale at auction, our specialists will arrange every detail.

Buying privately at Christie's

Ready to take home

Explore Private Sales

Buy or sell fine art, decorative objects, jewellery and watches on your schedule.

The Tessa Jowell Foundation is solely responsible for organising any and all sales of works with buyers, are not acting on Christie's behalf in any capacity and Christie’s is not responsible for verifying and has no liability in relation to the Property title, condition, provenance or authenticity.

The images shown are architectural visualisations and should not be considered exact reproductions of the completed works. For additional images please contact the Tessa Jowell Foundation.