A signed David Hockney print, hidden inside a donated book for 46 years, has sold for more than £41,000 after an eagle-eyed volunteer spotted it at a Salvation Army charity shop in Norwich.
The print was tucked inside a copy of Paper Pools, a 1980 book detailing Hockney’s celebrated swimming pool artworks. The book was donated to the shop last year, months before the artist died peacefully at home on June 11 aged 88.
“Signed David Hockney print hidden in donated book sells for £41,160 at Norwich charity shop.”
Long-serving volunteer and local artist Jemma Banks was flicking through the pages when she found an original signed print that had remained safely inside the book since it was made. Recognising its potential value, she flagged it to managers.
“It was a privilege to hold a genuine signed David Hockney print in my hands, and I was amazed that it had remained safely inside the book for 46 years, looking as fresh as the day it came off the lithographic press,” Banks said.
The print was researched by the Salvation Army Trading Company and listed for auction on its Collectables & Curiosity eBay shop. Bidding “quickly gathered pace”, the charity said, and the artwork eventually sold for £41,160.
The buyer, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I’ve admired David Hockney’s work for many years, so acquiring such an iconic piece is incredibly special. I’m delighted that, at the same time, the purchase will help support the invaluable work of The Salvation Army.”
Major Tracey Bale, who leads The Salvation Army’s Norwich Citadel, praised Banks’s sharp eye. “Jemma’s knowledge and curiosity made all the difference. Thanks to her recognising 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.”
The charity described the signed print as an “exceptionally rare collector’s piece.” Banks said she never imagined the donation would turn out to be so significant, but is delighted that something hidden for so long will now help raise money for people in the community who need it most.
