We enjoyed the recent Star Wars film. But, like many, we couldn't help thinking that BB-8 would look far more fetching dressed up as the globus cruciger from the Crown Jewels, or else painted in the colours of the Union Flag, tarted up like a teapot, or made to look like one of the Beatles.
Our wishes are fulfilled at a new exhibition and charity fundraiser. The cutesy droid has enjoyed a makeover from dozens of artists and celebrities, with the best efforts on show at White Rainbow Gallery (47 Mortimer Street) until 21 April.
Contributing celebrities include Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Warwick Davis, Simon Pegg (responsible for the Beatles droid, above), Paddy McGuinnes, Jonathan Ross, Nicola Adams and the band Years and Years. Each has daubed the droid with a design celebrating an element of British culture, from Robin Hood to the Sex Pistols.
The reimagined BB-8s will then be auctioned off to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
The initiative brings together a veritable asteroid field of organisations and interests. As well as fundraising for GOSH, it also ties in with the Force for Change campaign, celebrates the release of Star Wars The Force Awakens for download and DVD, and also coat-tails on the government's GREAT Britain campaign.
Star Wars BB-8 exhibition at White Rainbow Gallery, 47 Mortimer Street, until 21 April. Open noon-7pm. Entrance is free. Bid for one of the robotic artworks on the auction site.
