When the late Mark Birley founded the club George in Mayfair in 2001, it was intended as an informal riposte to the more high-minded London clubs of the era. Famously dog-friendly from the outset, its walls were graced by many of David Hockney’s dachshund sketches, a constant subject for the artist at the turn of the century. Birley sold George to Richard Caring in 2007, and the canine theme continued. There was even a menu for dogs, as well as fundraising drives for animal welfare charities.
To support the foundation’s work, the Carings have set up an online auction in collaboration with Christie’s. Seventy-one lots, covering photography, prints, original sketches, posters and other works, are available to browse through right now, with bidding opening next week.I’m a Rare Bear , a blue and white neon piece from 2014, as well as evocative ski and travel posters, photographs by Slim Aarons, and original drawings by EH Shephard. There’s also a hefty helping of Hockney, including the aforementioned portraits of the dachshunds, Stanley and Boogie. Now’s your chance to own a small piece of clubland history.