'You have no idea what's going to happen' - The secret postcard auction supported by Tim Peake and Jilly Cooper

Perhaps the best bit about a secret auction is discovering which piece of art you’ve unwittingly acquired.

And with any number of names in the mixing pot for a popular fundraiser organised by Ilkley Arts, it might end up being by someone quite special.

This weekend’s postcard auction features pieces from more than 100 artists, creatively designed, with a theme of Side by Side for breast cancer awareness month.

“You have no idea what’s going to happen, and which artist you are going to get,” said Joanne Tinker, one of the organisers with Sarah Gamble of Arts School Ilkley.

“You might think you know an artist’s work, but some will do something a little bit different so they don’t get found out,” she added.

“There is that little bit of excitement, in finding out. And the fun of choosing one.”

This is a secret auction that has been running since 2019, raising thousands for charity over the years.

When it was first launched it had huge celebrity backing from the likes of astronaut Tim Peake and television presenters and actors.

Author Jilly Cooper, meanwhile, once submitted her own biro drawing of horses in a field.

Today it is more artists and creatives that tend to contribute rather than celebrities, but there are hints to suggest that some names may be quite well known in certain circles in the art world.

Certainly, there is a chance to catch a piece of their work on a postcard, which might normally sell for thousands of pounds.

“There are some quite well established artists that exhibit internationally as well as in the UK,” said Ms Tinker.

“We get a real selection, from painters to jewellers and those who make postcards from bits of metal, or even different kinds of textiles.”

The auction is to be held this weekend (Oct 3 and 4) at Arts Studio in Castle Yard, with exhibitions from 10am to 4pm.

Proceeds are to be split evenly between Breast Cancer Now and Ilkley Arts.

Ms Tinker, owner of the Tinker Gallery, is also running a breast cancer awareness exhibition during October, celebrating the female form.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raising awareness and promoting early detection while raising funds for research and support.

All postcards which have been submitted must measure the same size, but can be of any material, colour, or design.

Their maker is kept anonymous until after bidding has closed.

Those taking part in the auction are invited to place their bid against the postcard they choose, with the highest sum taking the win for that piece of original artwork.

And while a list of creators will be on display over the weekend, nobody will know which piece is by whom.

The event, said Ms Tinker, is always well supported.

“It’s great fun,” she added. “The fun really ramps up in the last half hour, everybody is hovering around their favourite postcards to put their final bids in.”