St Mary’s Church in Woodbridge raffled a painting by Suffolk-born artist Maggi Hambling to raise money for a new low-carbon heating system costing around £200,000.
The grade I listed church initially hoped it would raise £10,000, so it said it was “delighted” with the result.
The Rector of St Mary’s Father Nigel Prior said: “It’s a fantastic result and we are extremely grateful for Maggi Hambling’s Support.
“It’s an important boost to our fundraising towards a heating system.
“We are particularly grateful to Maggi Hambling for donating this wonderful painting. She generously supports so many charities in this way, and if they are local to Suffolk, even more so.
“It’s a fantastic result.”
He also noted how the painting even made it to the Church Times after more than 1,000 people had supported us during the campaign.
The prize is an oil painting titled Fireworks Above the Sea, donated by Hambling after she heard about the church’s fundraising efforts. The work forms part of her “Fireworks” series, and paintings by the artist can fetch tens of thousands of pounds at auction.
The winner of the raffle, Ellen Shears, added: “I thought it was a brilliant idea for a great cause.
“It’s a really nice painting, and a nice thing to do for charity.”
St Mary’s has already set aside about £100,000 for the heating project, with a further £30,000 raised before the raffle was launched. It hopes the new system can be installed by the autumn.
Who is Maggi Hambling?
Hambling, who was born in Sudbury in 1945, is one of Britain’s most recognisable contemporary artists.
Though best known as a painter, she has also produced several high-profile public sculptures, including the controversial Scallop on Aldeburgh beach and works in London honouring Oscar Wilde and Mary Wollstonecraft.
Her career spans more than six decades and has often attracted strong reactions, particularly for large public works along the Suffolk coast and in the capital. Despite this, she remains closely associated with the county where she grew up and continues to live and work.
Organisers say the prize draw has already exceeded expectations and hope the unusual fundraiser will help bring the project closer to completion.
The draw is due to take place on March 5.
