The RCA Secret Postcard Auction 2023

We invite you to take part in an exclusive Secret Postcard Auction hosted by the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art, dedicated to promoting artistic expression and fostering a vibrant arts community in Wales. Proceeds directly support our charitable activities.

Your support will:

Enable free art exhibitions for all.
Nurture artistic talents in schools through education programs.
Unite communities through art projects and workshops.
Facilitate artistic workshops for personal growth.
Champion and support artists in Wales.

The Secret Postcard Auction offers you a chance to acquire unique works of art created by esteemed members of the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. With bidding starting at just £40, this is an incredible value for an original piece of art. You never know, you might find yourself with the bargain of the century if one of these pieces happens to be by a leading artist. Join us for this exciting event and seize the chance to own one or more of these remarkable artworks.

WHICH ARTISTS ARE TAKING PART?

We have a wonderful selection of over 50 artworks to bid on. The following RCA members and friends have been very generous, donating work to this virtual exhibition: Lesley Barker, Karina Barrett, David Barron,D Malcolm Brookes, Lynne Cartlidge, Heather Eastes,Mary Griffiths, Diana Heeks, Audrey Hind, Paul Joyner, David Jones, Ann Lewis, Susan Liggett, Louise Morgan, Ondre Nowakowski,Elaine Preece Stanley, Pea Restall, Wil Rowlands,Colin See-Paynton, Bob Shires, Gilly Thomas, Ruth Thomas, Bronwyn Williams-Ellis, David Williams-Ellis, Alan Salisbury, Noelle Griffiths , Daisy Wyn Griffiths , Jess Bugler, Alec Shepley, John Smout, Gerda Roper, Sally Moore , Sally Matthews, Nigel Morris, Joy Ravenscroft and Jeremy Yates.

HOW BIG ARE THE ARTWORKS?

Unless otherwise stated, all pieces measure approximately 19 x 14cm, which is a generous size for a ‘postcard'! These really are artworks to frame and treasure.

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

ARE THE ARTWORKS SIGNED?

Yes - we have asked the artists to sign their works on the back. Some artists have signed their work on the front, which we have digitally temporarily 'removed', so your purchased artwork may show any signature originally added to the front.

WHEN DOES THE ONLINE AUCTION BEGIN AND END?

Bidding opens on 15th of July and will close on 9th September 2023.

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 5pm on 9th September) 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 selling price to immediately jump to. 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, via the email you signed up with or by text.

IF I WIN, HOW DO I PAY?

Once you have won please contact us by emailing rca@rcaconwy.org call 01492 593413 to arrange payment and provide us with delivery details.

WHEN DO I NEED TO HAVE PAID BY?

Please note if you have not paid within 72 hours of the auction ending then we reserve the right to offer the item to the second highest bidder. We would be very grateful for prompt payment, as we do not release the artists' names until all payment is received.

CAN I REMOVE BIDS WHILST THE AUCTION IS IN PROGRESS?

If you accidentally enter the wrong amount and need to remove a bid, please contact the auction administrators on rca@rcaconwy.org. Please note bids cannot be removed once the auction has ended (see below).

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 at that price. The name of the artist will only be revealed once payment for this item has been received.

WHEN WILL THE ARTISTS AND ALL OF THEIR ARTWORKS BE REVEALED?

We aim to reveal whose was whose the week after the auction, when all artworks will be viewable on www.rcaconwy.org, and will include the artists' names, so you can see if your guesses were right about whose work was whose! Please note that we will not release the names of the artists until payment has been received, so please do pay promptly.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE REGULAR ACCESS TO A COMPUTER, OR IF I'M BUSY ON THE DAY 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 postcards will go towards supporting the Royal Cambrian Academy (Registered Charity No: 0123456)

The Royal Cambrian Academy is a unique institution in Wales, an independent charity supporting Welsh art and artists, where art is encouraged, made, exhibited and debated.

Receiving limited public funding, the RCA depends on the continuing generosity of our visitors, friends and the art buying public who support our exhibitions.

Constituted in 1882, the RCA is a centre for artistic excellence in Wales. We have over 100 artist members whose work is exhibited and sold at our gallery based in the historic town of Conwy, North Wales. We promote up and coming artists of quality, mount historical exhibitions and offer a lively venue for education, groups and classes.