Sir David Beckham has become the latest celebrity to decorate gnomes for an auction to raise money for schoolchildren's gardening. The auction, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), supports the charity's Campaign for School Gardening and coincides with the lifting of the Chelsea Flower Show's ban on gnomes for only the second time in history.
Beckham contributed a pair of gnomes that bear a resemblance to him and his wife, Victoria. One gnome sports the number '7' on its red hat, referencing his England and Manchester United shirt, while the other has long brown hair reminiscent of Victoria Beckham. The pair could be nicknamed 'Posh and Becks' by the winning bidder.
Other celebrities who have decorated gnomes include Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, actresses Cate Blanchett and Dame Joanna Lumley, comedian Tom Allen, and TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh. As of Wednesday afternoon, Sir Brian's gnome, 'Billy Bad-Axe', which comes with a guitar, led the auction with a bid of £2,600. RHS president Keith Weed's gnome followed at £1,111 after he appealed for bids at a lunch at Chelsea on Monday.
Proceeds from the auction will go to the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, which helps children access gardening, learn through growing plants, and develop practical skills, confidence, and environmental understanding. Beckham was also involved in the RHS and King's Foundation feature garden, 'The Curious Garden', designed with input from King Charles III, Beckham, and Titchmarsh to encourage curiosity about gardening. The garden, designed by Frances Tophill, includes gnomes in celebration of the lifted ban, reflecting a tradition at Highgrove Garden.
