9-year-old Poppy who has lived with Leukaemia since the age of 3, fulfilled her lifelong dream to have her very own art exhibition. Thanks to Art of Wishes, this incredible wish was granted at Christie’s in London in May 2024.
Whilst the exhibition was open to the public for a week, Poppy also got to meet HRH Princess Beatrice who was given a special tour of the exhibition by the artist herself. HRH Princess Beatrice previously attended the Art of Wishes Gala in 2023 and when she heard about Poppy’s wish, she wanted to meet Poppy and view her exhibition. Poppy and her little sister Daisy were delighted to meet a real Princess!
Poppy and her family with HRH Princess Beatrice and Batia Ofer
Just as Art of Wishes brings the art world together to raise funds for Make-A-Wish, on this occasion Batia and Art of Wishes were able to support Make-A-Wish in bringing the art world together to help grant Poppy’s wish. Batia Ofer, founder and chair of Art of Wishes commented, “I am delighted and honoured to support this incredible exhibition and wish. Poppy is such an inspiring, talented young artist and her wish symbolises the power of art and wishes in bringing optimism and joy to children when they need it most.”
Whilst planning her wish Poppy decided to raise funds for Make-A-Wish by holding an online auction selling 18 of her original works and limited edition prints. The auction closed on 31st May and raised £8,500 to help grant more wishes for critically ill children. Whilst the auction is now closed, Poppy is still selling two of her limited edition prints for a minimum donation of £100 to raise more money for Make-A-Wish.
Click here to buy Poppy’s prints
The exhibition was carefully planned and curated with Poppy and included 28 of her amazing paintings featuring her unique and colourful style. In addition to her paintings, a wonderful chandelier-like display of her Beads of Courage were a powerful visual representation and reminder of her courageous journey, with every bead representing a hospital visit, overnight stay or form of treatment.
To help Poppy prepare for her exhibition, Art of Wishes organised for her to spend time with established artists including Chantal Joffe, Ben Lowe and Hannah Shergold who welcomed her to their studios. “Being invited into their studios was so personal. Poppy walked in and got to work immediately. Chantal, Ben and Hannah made her feel so welcome – within minutes she was pouring paint onto canvases,” said mum Stephanie.
One of Poppy’s favourite artists, David Hockney, also heard about Poppy’s story and wish through Art of Wishes, and was so inspired that he sent her some special gifts and a signed book as another wonderful surprise and addition to the wish itself.
Poppy with gift from David Hockney
“The wish experience has been incredible for her, she’s grown in self-belief and is happy to discuss her time in hospital.” The wish will mark a time in her life when Poppy can truly be herself, as she delves into a world of art and imagination,” said mum, Stephanie.