An exceptional discovery was made at a thrift store as a rare item fetched over £41,000 in a recent sale. The valuable find was spotted by a volunteer at The Salvation Army’s charity shop in Norwich, who came across an original signed print by the late David Hockney, a renowned artist who passed away at 88 last month.
The discovery occurred when a copy of Paper Pools was donated to the shop last year. Jemma Banks, a dedicated volunteer and local artist, recognized the potential value of the donation and unearthed an original signed print hidden inside the book for 46 years.
After thorough research by the Salvation Army Trading Company and its online eBay store, the book containing the print was listed for auction on The Salvation Army’s Collectables & Curiosity eBay shop. Bidding swiftly escalated, culminating in the artwork being sold for an impressive £41,160 to an undisclosed buyer who expressed immense pleasure with the acquisition.
The buyer, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed his delight in acquiring such a significant piece of art by David Hockney, acknowledging the charitable aspect of the purchase that supports The Salvation Army’s humanitarian efforts. The volunteer, Ms. Banks, shared her astonishment at holding a genuine signed David Hockney print and expressed joy that the long-hidden treasure would now contribute to helping those in need in their community.
Originally published in 1980, Paper Pools showcases some of Hockney’s renowned swimming pool artworks, making the enclosed signed print a rare collector’s item, as stated by The Salvation Army. Major Tracey Bale, overseeing The Salvation Army’s Norwich Citadel, praised Jemma’s keen eye and passion for recognizing the hidden gem within a simple donation, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the volunteers in transforming ordinary items into valuable assets for charity.
David Hockney, a celebrated British artist known for his innovative use of various mediums, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, as confirmed by his publicist. Throughout his illustrious career, Hockney was recognized for his embrace of digital art and experimentation with different techniques, solidifying his place as a pioneering figure in British art.
Trained at the Bradford School of Art and later at the Royal College of Art in London, Hockney’s artistic journey led him to become one of the influential talents in the new wave of British artists.