AN EXCEPTIONAL collection of private art works that include pieces from Banksy, David Hockney, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso is to go on show in aid of Mountbatten.

The collection of precious artworks has been loaned by their generous owners to help raise money to support the work of Mountbatten which supports and cares for nearly 1,000 Islanders facing death, dying and bereavement every day.

For most of the art works, it will be their first and possibly last time they will be seen in public.

For just two evenings and one afternoon, the exhibition, which will also feature Grayson Perry and Jenny Saville, will be hosted at Ventnor Arts Club and curated by Island resident Phil Le May.

Nigel Hartley, chief executive of Mountbatten, said: "This is an incredible opportunity to see artworks from a range of high profile and well-known artists right here on the Isle of Wight. I am so grateful to the owners of these pieces, and to both Phil Le May and Stephen Izatt from Ventnor Arts Club, who have put together this astounding collection.

"This is one of the only times we will be able to see this calibre of artworks on the Isle of Wight, so I urge anyone with an interest in fine art to book your place quickly. Not only will you be in for a breathtaking evening, but you will be supporting Islanders facing death and bereavement at the same time."

The collection will be on show at two Gala evenings on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 for a cocktail evening with welcome drinks and canapes. Tickets for the gala evenings are £30.

A Tea Party with the collection will be held on Sunday, October 21 from 4pm to 6pm. This informal event is £15.

Tickets are limited and expected to be in great demand, so it is advised that those hoping to attend should book a place as soon as possible at here.