On 27 April 2006 The Conran Shop held an auction in conjunction with Oxfam to raise money for Oxfam’s Mango Plantation Project in Ghana. The auction brought together an eclectic mix of people, filling up the Conran Shop’s main display area. The focus of the evening was the iconic Vipp Bin’s novel reinvention by 18 leading designers. Talents such as Ron Arad, Terence Conran, Tara Bernerd and Nicole Farhi all contributed their own interpretations of the Vipp product to be auctioned for the cause.

 

Designs ranged from slight aesthetic tweaks to absolute redesigns of function. For example, Hidden Art members Black+Blum were able to turn the bin into a fully working barbeque, complete with charcoal storage. Their ‘Come on Baby Light My Fire’ design was able to raise £1,100 for the charity. Sticking more closely to the Vipp’s original function, Hidden Art’s Ella Doran created the ‘THINK Before YOU Bin’ which played on themes of shredded paper found within her own busy studio. Her bin added £350 to the money raised in the auction.

           

This event was a great signifier of the generous nature of many talented designers. All involved were willing to offer their time and skills for free to help those in need. The night raised £12,500 for the Ghanaian project. This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, which combined the classic styling of the VIPP bins with 18 generous hearted designers.