Coldplay raised over £130,000 for a children's charity at the launch of its artwork exhibition in London on Wednesday night. Frontman Chris Martin and guitarist Jonny Buckland both attended the private viewing of original artwork at Proud Galleries in Camden, North London. Sales of the artwork and prints will benefit Kids Company, a charity which provides support to vulnerable children.

Speaking at the event, Martin praised Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh and urged people to contribute, telling reporters: "There's a range of stuff, with prices from £1 to £1 million."

Artwork featured includes the original 7m by 2.5m graffiti wall, created by Coldplay and artist Paris, that became the Mylo Xyloto album artwork, plus unseen photographs from their world tour, which concluded its Australian leg November 21st in Brisbane. At that show, Martin hinted of a hiatus for the band: "This is our last big show for three years or so," he said, although the band still has three U.S. shows to perform this year.

Other stars attending the launch included Mylo Xyloto producer Brian Eno, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's daughter Bella Cruise, and Spice Girl Melanie "Mel C" Chisholm, who was seen laughing and joking with Martin. The exhibition runs at Proud Camden until December 2nd.

By Mark Sutherland