In 1993, as Artangel prepared to realise Rachel Whiteread’s House, the scale of the work called for philanthropic support beyond our resources. A small group of committed individuals stepped forward providing the financial backing needed to bring the project to life - and the rest is history. House became benchmark for British public art, and Whiteread went on to be the first woman to win the Turner Prize.
As a gesture of thanks, Whiteread created a special photographic book of House for those early supporters. From this beginning, the Company of Angels was formed, and the tradition of an Artangel artist expressing their gratitude with a unique memento was born.
We continue this tradition, and each year Angels receive a beautiful memento in recognition of their commitment. Over the years Angels have received mementoes from artists such as Andy Holden, Elizabeth Price, Roger Hiorns, Taryn Simon, Gemma Anderson-Tempini and Lonnie Holley. Become an Angel today, and be part of this extraordinary legacy.
Image: Hetain Patel's memento for Come As You Really Are, 2025.