Painter inspired to donate portion of sales proceeds

Art lovers gathered at the China Club to see a new exhibition by Pip Todd Warmoth and help give an early boost to Operation Santa Claus.

Entrepreneur and China Club owner David Tang Wing-cheung opened the exhibition and the enthusiastic crowd wasted no time in getting out their cheque books to buy some of the landscapes inspired during trips to Tibet and South America.

A portion of all sales will go to the appeal.

Todd Warmoth is a favourite painter of the last Governor, Chris Patten, as well as many others who snap up his works for prices starting at $12,000.

Organiser Tanya Baxter said: 'It was a very busy opening. There were very good sales and a great deal of interest.' The exhibition continues at the China Club on the 13th floor of the old Bank of China building in Bank Street, Central, until Saturday.

A $30,000 painting by Todd Warmoth has been donated to Merrill Lynch staff who will auction it in aid of Operation Santa Claus during their golf tournament and dinner next week.