British actor and comedian Russell Brand has commissioned artist Lincoln Townley to paint his portrait for a charity auction which will be held on artnet Auctions with a discounted 10% premium. All remaining proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Abstinence-Based Recovery Trust (ABR Trust, formerly known as Focus 12).

The collaboration between the actor and painter is rooted in the pair’s shared passion for the ABR Trust’s work. Himself a recovering addict, Brand became a patron of the ABR Trust in 2005 after the charity helped him overcome his substance dependency. Similarly, Townley’s figurative paintings often explore the subject matter of his personal drug and alcohol addiction and subsequent road to recovery.

At the presentation ceremony Brand said: “It is vitally important that as many people as possible are able to access abstinence treatment when they need it. The ABR Trust will help fill a funding gap that is probably going to get worse each year. This Trust can save lives and repair families. I am happy to support it in any way I can.”

Townley commented, “To be commissioned by Russell Brand to paint his portrait is a real honor. For me and to do it for a charity that is close to my heart makes it even more special. I have been three years sober and if this painting gives hope to someone who is today where I was then, then that’s incredible.”

Chip Somers, founder of the ABR Trust, and an expert in the field of substance recovery with over 30 years of experience, added, “Every pound this painting raises in auction will go to help people who suffer from chronic alcohol and drug dependency get the treatment they need.”

The painting will be on view at the Framer’s Gallery, London until December 13th.