A signed David Hockney print discovered in a donated book has sold for more than £41,000 at auction, just weeks after the celebrated British artist passed away.
The remarkable find was made by volunteer Jemma Banks at The Salvation Army's charity shop in Norwich. While flipping through the pages of a donated copy of Paper Pools, she discovered an original signed print that had been tucked away inside for 46 years.
Auction Success
After thorough research by the Salvation Army Trading Company, the book was listed on The Salvation Army's Collectables & Curiosities eBay shop. Bidding quickly escalated, eventually selling the artwork for £41,160.
The anonymous buyer expressed delight: “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.”
Volunteer's Insight
Jemma Banks, a long-serving volunteer and local artist, said: “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. As a local artist, I recognised that the book might be something special, but I never imagined just how significant it would turn out to be.”
Published in 1980, Paper Pools features some of Hockney's most celebrated swimming pool artworks. The inclusion of an original signed print makes it an exceptionally rare collector's piece, according to the charity.
Charity Impact
Major Tracey Bale, who leads The Salvation Army’s Norwich Citadel, praised Banks: “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.”
David Hockney, one of the most influential British artists of modern times, passed away peacefully at home on June 11. Trained at Bradford School of Art and the Royal College of Art, he was known for blending traditional painting with digital art.
