A signed David Hockney print discovered inside a donated book at a Salvation Army charity shop in Norwich has sold at auction for £41,160. The buyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed delight at acquiring the piece while supporting the charity's work.
Discovery by volunteer artist
The print was found by Jemma Banks, a long-serving volunteer and local artist, while sorting through donations at the Goat Lane shop. She noticed that a copy of the 1980 book Paper Pools, which features Hockney's swimming pool artworks, contained an original signed print tucked inside. Banks recognized its potential value and alerted the Salvation Army Trading Company.
The print had remained hidden in the book for 46 years, looking "as fresh as the day it came off the lithographic press," Banks said. She added: "It was a privilege to hold a genuine signed David Hockney print in my hands."
Auction and sale
The item was listed on the Salvation Army's Collectables & Curiosity eBay shop, where bidding "quickly gathered pace," according to the charity. The final sale price of £41,160 far exceeded expectations. Major Tracey Bale, who leads the Norwich Citadel, credited Banks's expertise: "Jemma's knowledge and curiosity made all the difference. Thanks to her recognizing that this was far more than an ordinary donated book, an incredible piece of art has been preserved and transformed into vital funds for our work."
Hockney's legacy
David Hockney, one of Britain's most celebrated artists, died peacefully at home on June 11 at age 88. Known for his vibrant swimming pool paintings and embrace of digital art, he graduated from the Royal College of Art with a gold medal in 1962. The sale highlights how charity shop donations can yield extraordinary finds, with proceeds supporting community programs.
