About the auction
Trunks across the Thames was far more than a public art trail. Created by Thames Hospice in partnership with Wild in Art, the project brought together artists, schools, businesses and local communities in a shared celebration of creativity while supporting the vital work of hospice care.
Through a vibrant collection of elephant sculptures displayed across Windsor, Eton and Slough, the trail inspired, engaged and encouraged conversation. The elephant was chosen as a powerful symbol, representing not only strength, wisdom and memory, but also the “elephant in the room” – society’s reluctance to talk openly about death, dying and bereavement.
At its heart, the project sought to raise awareness of the compassionate care provided by Thames Hospice, challenge misconceptions surrounding hospice services and create opportunities for more open and meaningful conversations about grief and end-of-life care.
The trail also celebrated the power of community. By involving local artists, schools, organisations and sponsors, Trunks across the Thames created a lasting legacy that extended far beyond the sculptures themselves, fostering creativity, strengthening local connections and inspiring thousands of visitors.
As these remarkable sculptures begin a new chapter through this auction, on 15 October 2026, each piece represents more than artistic expression. Every bid helps support Thames Hospice in continuing its mission to provide outstanding care, comfort and support to patients and their families when they needed it most.
In Person Auction
We have limited space available to attend our in person auction at De Vere Beaumont estate. To attend in person, please complete our ‘Register your interest form’ below
A Heartfelt Thank You
Trunks across the Thames would not have been possible without the extraordinary support, generosity and enthusiasm of so many people.
We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors and partners, whose commitment and belief in the project helped transform an ambitious vision into a remarkable reality. Their support enabled the trail to flourish and ensured that its impact reached far beyond the sculptures themselves.
To our talented artists, thank you for bringing the herd to life. Through your imagination, creativity and craftsmanship, you transformed each sculpture into a masterpiece, creating a collection of works that inspired, delighted and captivated thousands of visitors.
We are equally grateful to the schools, community groups and organisations that embraced the project with such creativity, passion and dedication. Through their fundraising efforts, artistic contributions and unwavering enthusiasm, they helped create a trail that truly reflected the spirit and character of the communities it represented.
Finally, we offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who followed the trail, explored the herd and became part of the journey. Every app download, every photograph taken, every social media post and tag, every purchase of merchandise and every mile walked helped to spread the message of Trunks Across the Thames and support the work of Thames Hospice.
Your collective support transformed Trunks across the Thames into far more than an art trail. Together, you created a powerful celebration of art, community and compassion while helping to ensure that Thames Hospice can continue providing exceptional care and support to patients and families when they need it most.
Your donations make a BIG difference
Your donations help provide hospice care for patients like Duncan – watch the video to see how this care helped him walk again and make memories with his family.
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How it works
Why are you holding an auction?
We aim to raise vital funds for Thames Hospice to ensure we are able to continue our incredible work within our catchment area. We know the incredible impact that our services offer for patients and their families and aim to help fundraise considerable funding for further care to be delivered.
How do I attend the auction?
You will be able to attend the Grand Auction at De Vere Beaumont Estate or from the comfort of your own home. Our live auction will be streamed for you to start your bidding war with attendees in the room. Don’t miss out, complete our ‘Register your interest form’ today.
When will this be?
15th October 2026, Arrival to in person auction at 6pm, Live auction to begin at 7:15pm
Where will the auction be held?
The auction takes place from 18:00 on Thursday 15 October 2026 at De Vere Beaumont Estate in the Chapel. Space in the auction room itself is limited however we will also be live streaming the auction online too via Bidpath. You may register your interest at Windsor Auctions
What are the Elephants made from and how big are they?
The Elephant sculptures are made from Glass Reinforced plastic (GRP)
The Large Elephant sculptures are 1600mm heigh, 2200mm in length and 800mm in width weighing around 59kg (excluding mosaic and wooden elephants)
The Baby Elephant sculptures are 720mm heigh, 1020mm in length and 480mm in width weighing around 11kg.
How much will the Elephants be sold for?
While it is difficult to assess the likely amount that any sculpture may sell for, we will start the bidding at £5,000.00. However, priced realised could be higher and we expect may sculptures to sell for considerably more.
Can I view the condition of the Elephant prior to the auction?
Prospective buyers are encouraged to take a closer look at the sculptures during The Final Parade event on 26th September 2026, held at Royal Windsor Racecourse. All elephants are sold as seen. We have worked with our artists to recondition our Elephants to the pre-trail condition and they are all looking perfect for purchase.
