Damien Hirst’s latest painting is off to auction, with the proceeds going to children’s charity Kids Company – and the image is one the kids themselves will recognise.

Mickey Mouse is beloved by children (and grown-up children) the world over, so it seems only right that his image should be used to raise money for them. Brit artist Hirst’s reinvention of Disney’s most famous mouse, simply called ‘Mickey’, reduces him to 12 coloured spots – but he is still instantly recognizable.

No stranger to the art world, Mickey has also been used as a model for works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Claes Oldenburg.

Disney, who approached Hirst with the idea, will see the painting auctioned at Christie’s in London on Thursday 13th February at 7pm.

Kids Company Christmas Appeal...

Damien Hirst collaborates with Alexander McQueen...