Scotland’s first ever Turner Prize Winner, Douglas Gordon, has donated his work; Self-Portrait of You and Me (Steven Morrissey), towards Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres.

It is being offered with an estimate of £25,000 to £35,000 and proceeds will support Maggie’s Centres which provide free information, support and care to anyone affected by any type of cancer.

The acclaimed contemporary artist, who lives in Berlin and Glasgow, became interested in Maggie’s through a chance encounter at one of his favourite pubs, the Viceroy Bar in Glasgow. Maggie’s staff member, Kate Jervis, met the artist there and told him about the vital service that Maggie’s offer. Douglas immediately offered his support and donated the above piece of art to Maggie’s.

Douglas, who was born in 1966 and raised in Maryhill in Glasgow, has long been considered as one of Scotland’s leading contemporary artists. After his Turner Prize triumph in 1996, he was awarded the Premio 2000 at the Venice Biennale and the Hugo Boss Prize at the Guggenheim in New York in 2000. Two of his most famous works include: co-directing the film, Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait; and 24 Hour Psycho – his slowed down version of the Hitchcock masterpiece.

Frances Milner, Director of Fundraising at Maggie’s said: “One of many great things about working for a charity is that you get to meet wonderful people and hear and experience some amazing stories. This one is almost too good to be true and we are delighted that Douglas is supporting Maggie’s in such a fantastic way.”

Frances went on to say: “Douglas’ works are highly collectable and as Morrissey is such an iconic figure in music, this truly is an opportunity to own something pretty special.”

The work of art goes under the hammer on Saturday 17th October and interested parties should visit www.christies.com and search under keyword ‘Morrissey’ to register their interest. (direct link)

For further information on Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres visit www.maggiescentres.org.