Coventry City of Culture Trust auction to recover debts

The entire contents of the “UK’s first permanent immersive art gallery” have been put up for auction by the administrators of Coventry City of Culture Trust.

As of today (18 April), there are 389 lots listed on the online auction site, which will go towards covering the charity’s debts after it entered administration in February. Listed items range from electrical and DIY equipment, to office and kitchen supplies, to jumbo packs of toilet roll, Christmas decorations and toys.

The Coventry gallery, Reel Store, was billed as the UK’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery by the trust when it opened in May 2022, before being forced to close its doors nine months later.

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But some items had been incorrectly listed, including work of artist Ian Cook, who told the BBC he was “shocked and surprised” to discover work he had provided to the trust on a sale or return basis had been listed.

After contacting the administrators, two of his artworks will be returned to him once he has provided proof of ownership.

Money raised through the auction will go towards paying part of the trust’s debts. Its creditors include Coventry Council, which is owed £1.6m and The Assembly Festival group, which is owed nearly £1.5m.

Since the trust entered administration, the National Audit Office and Charity Commission have launched investigations into its finances.

Coventry Council has invited former employees and board members to their own meetings twice, with almost all invitees declining to attend.

According to the online auction page, items will be listed until Friday (20 April).

Terms and conditions state that it is the buyer’s responsibility to dismantle and remove winning lots from the Reel Store’s premises.