So often the subjects of motorsport related artwork, Formula One turns the tables on the art world this Friday with the launch of “Zoom”; an innovative new project in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Conceived by Formula One journalist and business analyst Christian Sylt, “Zoom” delivers a concept very new to Formula One – a photographic exhibition shot by some of the category’s top drivers and personnel.
With over fifty shots in the collection, the exhibition candidly documents many unseen special moments and subjects from the world of Formula One, whether they be in or out of the cockpit.
Opening at the Wyndham Grand on London’s Chelsea Harbour, “Zoom” takes some of the world’s fastest drivers and places them behind the camera for this unique initiative.
Every shot in the collection has been signed by the photographer in question and all will be put up for auctioned off from 7:45pm (on Friday) by motorsport specialists, Coys. All proceeds from the auction will go towards Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity – the official charity of the British Grand Prix.
Included in the collection are candid shots of Lewis Hamilton looking out from his McLaren MP4-27, Sebastian Vettel relaxing in the Alps and Bruno Senna’s favourite beach setting, amongst many, many others.
This incredible collection goes some way to shedding light upon the lives of some of motorsport’s most talented and diverse individuals beyond the confines cockpit and paddock and reminds us all that those within the sport are real people, rather than personalities competing in wild machinery at a distance.
Reflecting upon the exhibition, Sylt noted:
“…a while ago it occurred to me that although there are lots of charity auctions of signed photos of F1 drivers and their cars, it would be far more interesting to turn the tables and auction signed pictures that the drivers had taken.”
Having worked closely with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone for many years, Sylt also secured the backing of the former-Brabham boss.
“I approached Bernie with the idea and he gave it his full support and official backing. I then got Great Ormond Street Hospital involved and Coys agreed to handle the auction. All of F1’s drivers and team bosses have taken photos which have been printed and are being signed by them before being auctioned by Coys with all proceeds going to Great Ormond Street”
Due to rising international interest in the collection, Zoom have partnered with sports event management company, Influence Ltd, with the aim to incorporate a bidding system into their website so that fans and interested parties around the world may also bid for items.
In addition, the exhibition and auction will be filmed by Sky Sports for a feature to be broadcast at the end of this month. Publishing group Dennis will also be producing a coffee table book of the collection with a release date to be announced soon.
For more information regarding Zoom and this auction in particular, check out their website at zoom-auction.com or visit Influence Ltd at influenceltd.com
