In an initiative set up by The Somerset Toiletry Company, in support of BillyChip, the social enterprise scheme supporting rough sleepers, Bristol graffiti artist Inkie has designed a limited-edition soap to help fundraise during the Christmas period.
The Somerset Toiletry Company, currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, has been a long-term supporter of BillyChip and is marking the occasion by carrying out 25 acts of kindness.
A thousand ‘Soap with Hope’ bars are being produced based on Inkie’s design, with ten containing a golden ticket which can be exchanged for a signed Inkie print worth £100. Inkie has also painted a mural for The Somerset Toiletry Company’s factory.
“This is an amazing project to have worked on,” comments Jon Hope, co-founder of BillyChip. “The team at The Somerset Toiletry Company have supported us for many years and to see Inkie design this soap and mural has been incredible. We look forward to launching Soap with Hope as a unique Christmas gift for art lovers, helping us raise money to support those spending the festive break on the streets.”
Zantore Buoy, associate director at The Somerset Toiletry Company added: “We are thrilled to finally collaborate on a limited-edition soap with our long-standing charity partners, BillyChip. This only strengthens our ties to this wonderful charity that brings warmth to the lives of those living on the street. To have renowned artist, Inkie, design the soap and join us in our factory to produce a one-of-one mural is the cherry on top. We will hang Inkie’s work in our factory proudly for many years to come.”
All proceeds go to BillyChip. For every soap sold a BillyChip will be donated to a local outreach service to hand out in Bristol over Christmas.
Top: Inkie (centre) with Jack Gascoigne of BillyChip (left) and Zantore Buoy, associate director at The Somerset Toiletry Company (right).
