ArtBox Gala at The Dorchester

Celebrities, artists and BT executives joined Esther Rantzen last night to celebrate the launch of the BT ArtBox.

The project, set up to celebrate Childline’s 25^th anniversary, took the iconic British phone box and let some of the country’s best creative minds warp, cut, and adorn it.

Boxes have now been distributed throughout London, and will be auctioned off this summer to raise money for the charity.

Childline was set up in October 1986 following a plea from children. Since that day, the charity has helped over 2.6 million children in desperate circumstances.

At the event at The Dorchester last night, Rantzen spoke of a particular call to the charity, made by a girl from a public telephone box, and how she later said that that call undoubtedly saved her life.

Esther Rantzen’s inspiring words were further bolstered by Olympian Kelly Holmes, who took to the stage in a body con lilac dress to speak of her pride for Britain this year. 

The BT creative director also explained how she dreamt up the idea – a way of combining the importance of the telephone as a helpline, but also as an iconic British symbol.

Model and History of Art student Lily Cole also made an appearance to unveil her beautifully designed, organic, growing ArtBox. Miss Cole didn’t want to be interviewed, but did say: “Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to support Childline?”

Other ArtBox favourites include the Box Lounger by Benjamin Shine, and the abstract Slip by Gerry Judah.

Look out for ArtBoxes around London this summer, or if you’re feeling generous, attend the auction event at Sotheby’s on the 18^th July.

 Eleanor Hooper