ORDER OF EVENTS
6:00pm – Guest arrival
7:00pm – Call to dinner
7:15pm – Welcome address
7:20pm – Dinner service
8:45pm – Auction
9:30pm – Dancing commences
11:00pm – Carriages
A Message from the Principal
Dear guests,
It is such a pleasure and honour to welcome you to tonight’s event Is it quite some time since Queen’s Gate threw a party on this scale, and we are so delighted you are here to be part of it.
We know that now, of all times, is not the best to be seeking your financial support. With the economic climate as it is, and the imposition of VAT on school fees, we know we are asking a lot But, like many of the queens after whom tonight’s tables are named, we are refusing to be constrained by circumstance or convention, and will instead keep working towards our vision of transforming our buildings. Your girls deserve outstanding facilities. Th rooms designed with th mind. They deserve to i them
Anyone who has seen t carried out since 2022 w committed we are to ac – both those already wi come So far we ’ ve bee GDR, all three Hallways (a formerly unloved alco meeting room), the Juni Preliminary Classroom, courtyard garden, the 1 the KS3 Library. That’s q space of time – but bet are looking ahead to wh
Tonight is about us coming together as a community to help us move forward towards achieving this summer ’ s hoped-for projects. Top of our list is the White Dining Room. Used by girls from both Junior and Senior School daily, as well as hosting many parent events, this space is long overdue a refresh Our plans have a practical as well as aesthetic element, particularly with lunch queue management in mind, and we have no doubt that, come September, the girls will be thrilled with the outcome.
For now, I can only thank you again for your support – both tonight and ongoing and wish
undraising and Development
vernor of Queen’s Gate, I would like attending our 133rd Birthday Ball at ple Hall.
you more about our fundraising u are well aware, especially now, times nging for independent schools
ve striven to provide the highest our daughters, including excellence in and, of course, academic results
wever, which is easy to overlook, and are tight, is in the fabric and dings. We are fortunate that our School is housed in five fabulous 19th century houses - but they need constant upkeep We believe that it is important for you and your daughters to be proud of their surroundings. To this end, we have already begun a programme of transformative improvements - the gorgeous colours in the entrance hall and staircase, and the impressive revamping of the Senior School Library and Green Dining Room being examples.
The next stage will include the total transformation of the White Dining Room, which has not been touched for many years, and is used daily by all, improvements to the Senior School Hall, and the upgrading of some the precious outside space we have.
To address these needs, our fundraising target for this, our 133rd year, is £133,000.
I would also particularly like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your generous donations, for the Auction prizes, with special thanks to the Ball Committee, who have given so much of their time and worked so hard to make this ball such a success and a night to remember!
Sincerely,
Manina Weldon
AAHe bas glo Mr become a member of the Chines Head in 1997. Mr Howard-Sneyd held in Sotheby’s London and wa London, a citywide group that pr
In 2000 he assumed the role as M g g y based in Hong Kong, where he oversaw the early stages of the dramatic growth of the business in that market. In 2007 he moved to New York as Executive Vice President with a focus on ‘New’ markets spearheading the opening of offices in Istanbul and Doha as well as leading the company ’ s first auctions in the Middle East before taking on the role of Vice Chairman of Asian Art and managing the Asia Division in New York. During his time in New York he managed the sale of the remaining collection of JT Tai and Co, as well as founding a new department focused on Classical Chinese paintings and acting for two years as Chairman of Asiaweek New York
In 2015 he returned to the UK to take up his current role while continuing to travel and lead auctions internationally Henry HowardSneyd has acted as Chair of the board of Asian Art in London for the last 4 years.
Mr Howard-Sneyd was educated in the United Kingdom at Eton College and Pembroke College, Cambridge University where he earned a joint Master of Arts degree in Biochemistry and History of Art.
LIVE AUCTION
At the Queen’s Gate Birthday Ball
Friday 31 January 2025
The Inner Temple Hall
LOT 1
2 Tickets to the Calcutta Cup Match
England vs. Scotland (22 February 2025)
Enjoy England and Scotland at the iconic Calcutta Cup match on Saturday 22 February 2025. These two tickets provide under cover seating with a perfect view of the action, ensuring you won’t miss a single moment of this game. Plus, gain exclusive access to the Debenture Bar during half-time and after the match for an elevated rugby experience.
Pet Portrait
An oil-on-canvas portrait of a beloved pet, created by Mr. Sasha Otto Mataya. The artwork is A3-sized.
Terms & Conditions
A clear photograph or selection of headshots of the pet is required. The finished painting will be delivered to Queen’s Gate School for collection Two digital examples of the artist’s work have been included in this listing.
Luxury Trip to The Bahamas
Luxurious Bahamas Getaway: Enjoy a five-day, four-night stay for up to eight guests in a luxury four-bedroom villa or marina residence at Albany, The Bahamas. The package includes a complimentary round of golf on the championship golf course for each guest and a $1,000 resort credit. Albany offers world-class amenities and activities for all ages.
Terms & Conditions
Flights are not included Food & beverage, unless otherwise noted, are not included. Aviva dinner includes two (2) bottles of Tavistock wine **Appropriate golfing attire must be worn and golfers must be in possession of a handicap index Winners/guests are responsible for all consumption fees and incidentals. Winners will be responsible for all applicable taxes, including any import duty and income taxes, as well as any additional incurred fees. Travel dates are subject to availability of involved parties Non-transferable Blackout dates apply during peak holiday travel time. Please inquire for availability Villa type subject to availability This package and all inclusions will expire 01/31/26.
Certificate cannot be redeemed during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Hero World Challenge, Christmas, New Year, Presidents’ Day weekend and Easter.
NEXUS Global Membership
NEXUS Global Membership: A one-year membership, valued at £9,000 + VAT, for the whole family. Includes full access to NEXUS Club London (South Kensington), NEXUS Club New York, a $5,000 resort credit for future Albany stays, and additional global benefits.
LOT 5
2 front-row Club Level tickets for Arsenal vs West Ham at The Emirates Stadium.
Includes access to restaurants, complimentary matchday programme, and a free drink at halftime.
Match date: Saturday 22 February 2025, at 3:00pm (subject to rescheduling due to fixture congestion).
Seats located in Arsenal fan section.
Terms & Conditions
Guests cannot cheer for West Ham, nor wear West Ham shirts or caps. Must support Arsenal or remain neutral Ticket Format: PDF tickets to be emailed, downloaded, printed, and presented at the stadium on match day Additional Notes: Tickets are non-transferable and require compliance with fan section rules
Luxury Stay in San Pietro, Lorgues, France
A luxurious one-week stay in a 6-bedroom house with a swimming pool, located near the charming village of Lorgues in the Var region of Provence.
Luxurious family house 1km outside the village of Lorgues.
5 bedrooms Sleeps 10
Great for a family holiday, or for two families.
Fully equipped kitchen.
Outside dining area.
Pool - heated if necessary.
Upper terrace with drinks area, yoga area, boules pitch.
Walking distance from the bustling village of Lorgues, with its many restaurants, and famous Tuesday market.
Bicycles available
Terms & Conditions
One-week stay to be arranged on a mutually convenient date, to be redeemed before June 2026.
Staying in a six bedroom family house (only 5 bedrooms in use), Sleeps 10. Travel not included. Cleaners will come once during your stay, but can be more frequent
One-Week Stay in Luxury Three-Bedroom Apartment in Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Enjoy a week-long stay in a luxury apartment located next to the ski lifts in the stunning Crans-Montana resort. The apartment features three spacious bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms, and boasts fabulous views over the resort and the Rhône Valley Amenities include a ski room, boot room, and a parking space. Easily accessible by train or car from Geneva.
Terms & Conditions
One-week stay to be arranged on a mutually convenient date
Availability excludes 3–9 March 2025 and the Christmas/New Year period 2026
Staying in a three bedroom luxury apartment. Sleeps six. Not suitable for children under eight Travel not included
LOT 8
An Exclusive Afternoon with Jacques Azagury
Indulge in a rare opportunity to sit down for tea at the iconic Bluebird Chelsea with world-renowned fashion designer Jacques Azagury. Best known for his elegant designs and as a favourite of Princess Diana, Jacques will share captivating stories from his illustrious career, including his work with some of his world famous clients.
This intimate experience offers fascinating insights into the fashion industry, from his design inspirations to his history of creating record-breaking dresses that have dazzled at previous auctions.
A truly unforgettable experience for fashion enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Don't miss this exclusive chance to hear the untold stories behind the glamour.
Terms & Conditions
Date to be mutually agreed
Terms & Conditions
Date to be mutually agreed
LOT 9
Step into the World of a Hollywood Movie Star or Supermodel with a Unique, One-Off Styling Experience by Ken
Transform your look with an exclusive bespoke haircut and styling session by Ken O’Rourke, the celebrated Londonbased hair stylist icon with over three decades of industry excellence. Known for his legendary talent and collaborations with the biggest names in fashion and beauty, Ken has crafted looks for red carpets and magazine covers worldwide.
This unique experience offers more than just a haircut it’s your chance to achieve a stunning Cover Girl look or the ultimate red carpet-ready style. Whether you ’ re preparing for a special event or simply treating yourself to a moment of glamour, Ken’s signature creativity and personalised approach will leave you looking and feeling extraordinary.
This is a priceless opportunity to work with one of the most renowned names in the world of hair. Don’t miss your chance to step into the spotlight with Ken O’Rourke’s expert touch!
O’Rourke
LOT 10
The Ultimate Stephen Jones Millinery Experience
Delight in a truly exceptional offering from the legendary milliner, Stephen Jones. This exclusive auction lot, generously donated by Stephen Jones, brings together a unique package for fashion connoisseurs and lovers of couture craftsmanship
The lot includes:
A Private Consultation
A Custom Hat
Two Tickets to His Paris Exhibition
A rare and unforgettable experience for any fashion enthusiast, offering a personal connection to one of the most celebrated milliners of our time.
Terms & Conditions
LOT 11
A Selection of Books from Her Majesty The Queen
Her Majesty The Queen, a Queen’s Gate alumna, has generously donated a selection of ten books featuring strong female main characters These books, selected by Her Majesty, will be available to collect from Queen’s Gate School.
SILENT AUCTION
LOT 12
Table for 2 at Sael, 3 courses with a sommelier chosen bottle of wine.
Enjoy an exquisite dining experience at Sael, courtesy of The Social Company This package includes a three-course meal for two, paired with a sommelierselected bottle of wine.
Terms & Conditions
Booking must be made at least one month in advance, subject to availability Valid for 3 months from the date of issue
LOT
13
10 personal training sessions, plus gym membership for six months.
The Training Mews is a private personal training studio located in picturesque Astwood Mews, around the corner from Gloucester Road.
Set up by Paul Bowman, a highly experienced and knowledgeable trainer, who is passionate about meeting each person ’ s individual needs and fitness targets.
He and his team can help with a wide range of problems including: weight loss, injury rehabilitation and prevention, neurological conditions, pre and post natal care - and of course general strength training.
2 Lots Available.
LOT 14
Promotional Video
A professionally crafted 60-second promotional video created by UK media professionals. This video is ideal for use on websites or social media platforms to promote a business.
Valid for 6 months from the time of the offer. Delivered digitally.
Terms & Conditions
Valid for 6 months from the time of the offer Delivered digitally
Summer Leaf Garland, hand made in sterling silver, with a matte finish measuring 22" long.
Terms & Conditions
To be collected from Queen’s Gate School
Tarra Rosenbaum Necklace
LOT 16
A Two Night Stay at the Delaire Graff Estate, South Africa
Experience a relaxing stay in one of the world’s most luxurious retreats, the Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Escape to South Africa's most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination with a two-night stay at the Delaire Graff Estate for you and your family (2 adults and 2-3 children). Perched on the slopes of the magnificent Helshoogte mountain pass and surrounded by sweeping views across exquisite vineyards and mountains towards Stellenbosch, the Delaire Graff Lodge & Spa is secluded, yet accessible.
The Estate's prime location provides a sense of escape and privacy, while contemporary décor style lodges, each with their own private plunge pool, invite complete relaxation in an idyllic setting Here, guests can enjoy art and design, gourmet food, award-winning wines and a world-class Spa, featuring a range of products and exclusive treatments. For a more active experience, excursions include vineyard walks, wine tasting and visits to the historic towns of nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Terms & Conditions
2-night stay to be arranged on a mutually convenient date, to be redeemed within two years of the event date, excluding peak season December through to February.
Staying in a two bedroomed Presidential Lodge, available on a bed and breakfast basis. Travel not included. 2 adults and 2-3 children
TERMS & CONDITIONS
All auctions are open only to members of the Queen’s Gate Community aged 18 and over. By registering for an auction, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions
2 Any lot may be withdrawn by the School at any point before the auction takes place
3 Bids must be made in Pounds Sterling, and successful bidders must remit their payment for the relevant lot direct to Queen’s Gate School Trust Limited
4
The conduct of the auction shall be at the discretion of the School, and it reserves the right to reject a bid from any bidder. If any dispute should arise, the decision of the School shall be final
5 The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer (acting on the School’s behalf) shall be ‘the Purchaser ’
6
7
In the event that the School is unable to contact a Purchaser within seven days of the closing of the auction, or in the event that payment is not received within 21 days of a Purchaser being notified, the School reserves the right to award the lot to the next highest bidder.
The School will not be liable if it is unable, for reasons beyond its control, to award a lot (for example, but not limited to, the cancellation of an event, the unavailability of a person or event or a lot donor failing to make a lot available). However, the School will, to the best of its ability, provide the Purchaser with a similar or alternate experience, providing no expense is incurred by the School.
8. On the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer, the Purchaser shall be deemed to have purchased the offered lot subject to the conditions outlined below:
a) The Purchaser accepts the risk and responsibility from that moment on In no circumstances will the School or the auctioneer be held responsible if any lot is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed
b) The Purchaser will pay the full purchase price
c) The Purchaser will sign a confirmation of purchase d) Under no circumstances will the School or the auctioneer refund any lots once the hammer has fallen
9 Payment in full of the winning bid must be made by the Purchaser in Pounds Sterling to the School on the day of the sale or by Friday 21 February 2025, but in any event before the lot can be collected Payment will be accepted by bank transfer to the School, using your full name as a reference, or by cheque payable to Queen’s Gate School Trust Ltd
10 The lots are described as at the date of publication of this catalogue and are subject to availability All lot descriptions are provided by the lot donors and as such, the School accepts no responsibility whatsoever for the accuracy of the descriptions It is the responsibility of the bidder to inspect any lot to check that the description in the catalogue is correct and s/he will not be entitled to any compensation for any errors or mistakes in the descriptions of any lots from the School.
11 The School reserves the right to change, alter, or remove any lot from the auction at any time.
12. Lots purchased at the Queen’s Gate School 133 Ball are for personal use only and are not transferable or for resale or donation to any other charitable cause and there are no cash alternatives.
13. If applicable, it is the responsibility of the Purchaser to make sure they have a valid passport and travel insurance and to obtain any necessary vaccinations and visas for their trip.
14. Events may occur that render an auction itself impossible due to reasons beyond the School’s control Accordingly, the School may, at its absolute discretion, vary or amend the auction and the entrants agree that no liability shall attach to the School as a result thereof
15 The School will run the auction in a fair and consistent manner For the avoidance of doubt, for any bid to be counted, it must be received by the School before the close of the auction It is the responsibility of the bidder to ensure their bid is received in time
16 The responsibility for making contact with the lot donor lies with the bidder
17. All portable items shall be, if possible, collected in person from the School reception or via your child The Purchaser is responsible for paying all costs (if any) relating to the packing and shipping of his/her lot.
18. Unless another date is specified, all lots will expire six months from the close of the auction unless agreed otherwise between the Purchaser and lot donor
19 These Conditions of Sale, as well as the Purchaser’s, Queen’s Gate School’s respective rights and obligations hereunder, shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. By bidding at an auction, whether present in person or by agent, commission bid, telephone or other means, the Purchaser shall be deemed to have consented to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Lots kindly donated by
H M The Queen
Manina Weldon
Nexus Club London
Bita Mafizadeh
Reica Gray
Sasha Otto Mataya
Jason and Irha Atherton
Jacques Azagury
Ken O’Rourke
Stephen Jones
Tenuta Colpernaco
Tarra Rosenbaum
Michael Hacking
The Graff Foundation
Paul Bowman
Special thanks
Manina Weldon for donating the champagne.
Bele de Duenas for donating the flowers.
Ahmed Shareefy for providing the entertainment (ahmedshareefy.co.uk)
Committee Members
Zainab Khaleeli
Bele de Duenas
Fiona Macleay
Manina Weldon
Clare Lenterman
Amy Li
Queen's Gate Staff
Amy Wallace
Ema Trkulja
Rubia Rose Southcott
Sian Lehrter
Victoria Goddard
Patima Shareefy
Thank You
Henry Howard-Sneyd
Make a Donation
If you would like to support Queen’s Gate School please complete the attached Donation Form or scan the QR code below to be taken to our website
Queen’s Gate School is a registered charity known officially as Queen’s Gate School Trust Limited
Registered Charity Number. 312724
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