ART IS NOT JUST SOMETHING TO ADMIRE; WHEN IT IS CREATED WITH INTENTION, IT BECOMES A FORCE FOR GOOD.
- Vicky Tucker
A UNICORN Painting created with purpose.
An original artwork in aid of the RDA Unicorn centre, Middlesbrough.
Vicky is currently in the process of creating a new original painting of a Unicorn, which will be auctioned to raise vital funds for the RDA Unicorn Centre. This piece is being painted with one very clear intention, to support a centre that does extraordinary work within her local community, using the powerful partnership between horses and people to changes lives.
The painting is about to be started, and this page will be updated regularly as the work progress, from the first brushstrokes through to the finished piece. Vicky will also be sharing behind-the-scenes updates across her social media platforms, so you can follow the journey as the artwork comes to life ahead of the auction.



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The Story Behind This Auction
The RDA Unicorn Centre in Middlesbrough is a truly special place. It provides therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities for children and adults living with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health challenges and life-limiting conditions. ANd so much more. Through the quiet strength, patience and sensitivity of their horses, the centre helps riders build confidence, independence, coordination and self-belief, often achieving things they never thought possible.
Last year, the Unicorn Centre faced the devastating threat of closure. For many families, this would not simply have meant the loss of a riding centre, but the loss of a lifeline, a safe space where progress is made gently, relationships are built, and individuals are seen for who they are rather than what they struggle with. Thanks to incredible community support, the centre continues its vital work, but ongoing funding is essential to ensure its future remains secure.
The funds raised through this auction will go directly towards supporting the day-to-day running of the centre ; helping to care for the horses, maintain facilities, and ensure sessions remain accessible to those who rely on them most. Every bid placed helps safeguard the horses who give so much of themselves, and the people whose lives are enriched by their presence.
Vicky chose to support the RDA Unicorn Centre because what they offer goes far beyond riding. Horses have an extraordinary ability to heal and empower, and this auction is a way that Vicky can use her art to help ensure that connection continues for the people who need it most. She firmly believes that art has the ability to do more than simply exist on a wall; it can be a vehicle for positive change.
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
The Unicorn painting has now been carefully sketched out and is ready to move into the painting stage, where the piece will truly begin to come to life. From this point on, Vicky will build each layer slowly and intentionally, allowing depth, movement and character to develop as the work progresses.
The artwork will be created using highly pigmented, professional-grade acrylic paints by Lascaux, chosen for their exceptional colour intensity, lightfastness and archival quality. Vicky will be adding subtle gold gilding details that will be incorporated into the finished piece, adding delicate highlights and a sense of refinement without overpowering the subject.
The painting is being produced on a premium fine-grain linen box canvas built with a solid wood frame. It will be finished with an archival-quality satin varnish to protect the surface and enhance colour depth. Vicky will leave the artwork unframed, giving the successful bidder the freedom to frame it to suit their own space. As a box canvas with fully painted edges, it can also be displayed unframed for a clean, contemporary finish


Artwork Specifications
Medium: Acrylic on fine-grain linen canvas with gold gilding details
Support: Premium quality linen box canvas on a solid wood frame
Finish: Archival-quality satin varnish Dimensions: W 51 cm × H 70.5 cm × D 2.5 cm
Presentation: Unframed (painted edges allow immediate display)
Condition: New – created exclusively for this charity auction Documentation: Certificate of Authenticity provided
WHY COLLECT THIS PIECE
This is more than an original painting — it is a one-off piece created with intention and meaning. Painted specifically for this charity auction, it represents resilience, care, a a commitment to protecting something deeply valued within a community.
Every element has been thoughtfully considered, from the premium linen canvas and archival materials to the subtle gold gilding that will add depth and quiet luminosity. Created to last, the painting carries both lasting quality and emotional significance.
Collecting this piece also means becoming part of its legacy. The funds raised will directly support the RDA Unicorn Centre in Middlesbrough, helping to ensure that life-changing equine-assisted activities remain accessible to those who rely on them.
Art with purpose, a meaningful original that will enrich any space while standing for something beyond itself.

how the auction works

This original Unicorn painting will be auctioned online to raise funds for the RDA Unicorn Centre in Middlesbrough.
The process has been designed to be clear, transparent and fair for everyone taking part.
Follow the Painting Journey The artwork is currently in progress. Updates will be shared on this page and across Vicky's social media channels as the painting develops, leading up to the auction launch.
Auction Launch Once the painting is complete, full auction details will be announced here, including opening and closing dates, starting bid, minimum bid increments and how to place a bid.
Placing a Bid Bids will be placed via a simple online form on this website. All bids are treated as a commitment to purchase if confirmed as the highest bid at the time the auction closes. Confirmation will be sent by email once a bid is received.
Auction Close & Winner At the advertised closing time, the highest bid received will be confirmed as the winning bid. The successful bidder will be contacted directly to arrange next steps.
Payment & Donation Payment will be requested within the stated timeframe following the auction close. All funds raised will be donated to the RDA Unicorn Centre, with confirmation shared once the auction is complete.
Auction Notes This auction is being run in good faith to raise funds for the RDA Unicorn Centre in Middlesbrough. In the event of identical bids, the earliest bid received will take priority. By taking part in this auction, bidders are agreeing to these terms
Place your bid
Bids are submitted via the form below.