Secret Postcard Auction 2024

What is the RWA Secret Postcard Auction?

The Secret Postcard Auction offers you the chance to purchase unique works of art by a range of artists, including leading figures from the art and cultural world.

All artworks are signed on the back, so buyers either have to guess who the big name artists are or just buy what they like. Bidding on each work starts at just £40, which is a very reasonable price for a unique piece of art, and if it turns out to be by an internationally famous artist, you'll have secured an heirloom for a bargain price!

This year, as last year, we are hosting the auction online only, however the artworks will be available to view at the RWA in person from 29 October to 7 November 2024.

Which artists are participating?

A full list of artists can be found on our webpage here.
https://www.rwa.org.uk/products/rwa-secret-postcard-auction-2024

How big are the artworks?

Unless otherwise stated, all pieces measure c.7" x 5" (19 x 14 cm)... so a generous size for a ‘postcard’! These truly are artworks to grace any wall.

Please note: we have done our best to present the most accurate representation of each artwork, but colours may vary from what is shown on screen.

Are the artworks signed?

Yes - we have asked the artists to sign their works on the back, so you either have to guess who the big name artists are or just bid on what you like.

What time does the online event start and when does bidding close?
Bidding opens on Friday 25 October and will close at 10pm on Thursday 07 November.

PLEASE NOTE: To help items achieve their full value and to reduce ‘auction sniping’, our auction platform automatically extends the end time of an item by 3 minutes when it receives a bid during the final 3 minutes. This process repeats until no new bids are received during the final 3 minutes of the item bidding window, or the auction has been extended for a maximum of 30 minutes beyond the original end time.

How do I bid online?

Bids start at £40. Each bid must be at least £5 more than the previous bid. There is no limit on how many bids each postcard can receive or how many each bidder can make, so if someone outbids you, feel free to increase your bid to outbid them! If your bid is the highest by the close of the online event (around 10pm on 07 November) then you win!

A proxy bid allows you to enter the maximum amount you're willing to spend with the goal of winning the item at the lowest possible price. The system will bid for you, up to your maximum proxy bid amount, as additional bids are entered on the item. An exact bid is the amount you want the item's current bid price to jump to immediately. Your bid amount will not change as additional bids are entered on the item.

Please note that you will need to create an account before you can place a bid.

Will I be notified If I am outbid?

Yes on the email you signed up with. Make sure to keep an eye on your emails!

If I win, how do I pay?

You will receive an email confirmation directing you to pay online for your winning lots. Please be sure to check the email you signed up with.

When do I need to have paid by?

Please note if you have not paid within 48 hours of the auction ending (11pm on Saturday 9 November) then we reserve the right to offer the item to the second highest bidder, and to preclude your involvement in future auctions.

Can I remove bids whilst the auction is in progress?

No unfortunately not.

Can I change my mind if I no longer want an artwork and the auction has ended?

No: a bid on this item is considered a contract, and should you win the item you are obliged to purchase it. The name of the artist will only be revealed once payment for this item has been received. Please ensure that you have read pick the shipping instructions before bidding.

When will all the artists and their works be revealed?

Once all buyers have received their artworks, this site will close and all artworks will instead be viewable on rwa.org.uk, which will include the artists' names, so you can see if you were right in your hunch about whose was whose! We do not publicise the winning bid amounts for each postcard.

How will I receive my winning postcard/postcards?

Most postcards will be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery Signed For, insured up to the value of £1000. The charge for this service starts from £10.75. Especially large or heavy postcards, or those with a higher bid value, may incur slightly higher postage fees - this will be indicated on the auction lot. International delivery is also available by arrangement.

Insured delivery may be requested in special circumstances by contacting grace.hannell@rwa.org.uk

What if I don’t have regular access to a computer, or if I’m busy on the night the auction ends? Can I leave a proxy bid?

If you have intermittent access to a computer then you can leave a proxy bid and the computer will bid for you. Please scroll up to read ‘How do I bid online?’ for more information on proxy bidding.

Where do the proceeds go?

All proceeds raised by the sale of the cards will go towards supporting the RWA, which is a completely independent charity (1070163)

The RWA now has no regular public funding at all, and we rely on fundraising events such as the Secret Postcard Auction so that we can continue to bring great art to Bristol, and to work in partnership with many underserved communities across Bristol.

Last year, the work of over 850 artists was shown in our galleries, 150,000 people visited the RWA – many for the first time - and 3,500 people took part in a creative activity, tailored to suit their needs, including children with profound and multiple disabilities and adults living with dementia.

By supporting the Secret Postcard Auction, you will be helping us to offer creative opportunities that enhance lives for people living in the most challenging of circumstances.

Can I make a larger donation?

If you would be willing to consider making a larger donation to the RWA, please contact our Head of Development, Kate Foster kate.foster@rwa.org.uk

Support the RWA today, and help foster lifelong journeys with art.   
We believe that everyone must have the opportunity to start and nurture their pathway on their own terms.  A world where more people are engaged with and connected to the arts is a world transformed. 
 
We champion artistic excellence.
Excellence is at the heart of all we do. Our RWA Academicians – artists elected by their peers for their outstanding contributions – help lead the organisation alongside our Trustees and Executive Team. Together, we present world-class exhibitions that challenge perceptions and celebrate heritage.
 
We create opportunities for future artists.
Creativity builds confidence, well-being, and critical thinking. Through community outreach sessions and school partnerships, thousands of children and families across Bristol have discovered the joy of making art. 
 
We support artists and develop creative careers 
We help artists grow, connect, and sustain their practice. We deliver practical and professional skills development sessions, return income to artists through artwork sales, and offer paid internships and work experience opportunities - helping young creatives build confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging in the arts. 
 
We believe in the power of creativity 
Through partnerships with organisations like Mothers 4 Mothers and Bristol After-Stroke, and working with people living with Dementia and their carers, we use creativity to support wellbeing and connection. 
 
We sustain the RWA's rich heritage.
We care for one of Bristol’s most beautiful buildings and a unique collection of artwork celebrating three centuries of creativity. This year, we conserved a historic work by our founder, Ellen Sharples, supported academic heritage research projects, and loaned artworks to care settings, workplaces and galleries – ensuring our collection continues to inspire. 

Be Part of the Journey  
We must raise over £1 million every year to continue our work, creating opportunities for everyone to have their own journey with art. 
 
Your bid isn’t just for a postcard. It’s a vote of confidence in creativity, community, and connection. 
 
Every postcard tells a story. Be part of ours. 
 
Registered Charity No 1070163