Salvation Army shop in Lower Goat Lane by Evelyn Simak, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You never quite know what bargains or forgotten gems, you may find in a charity shop, but one donation in Norwich turned out to be something extraordinary.
A signed print by British artist David Hockney has sold for £41,160 after being discovered tucked inside a donated copy of his 1980 book Paper Pools. The remarkable find was made at a Salvation Army charity shop in Lower Goat Lane, almost a year after the book had first been donated.
The print had remained hidden between the pages for more than four decades before volunteer Jemma Banks decided to flick through the book. As a local artist herself, she immediately suspected it was something special, although she never imagined quite how valuable it would prove to be.
The signed lithograph, featuring one of Hockney’s iconic swimming pool scenes, was authenticated before being listed on the Salvation Army’s eBay store, where collectors quickly recognised its rarity. Following competitive bidding, it eventually sold to an anonymous buyer for more than £41,000.
Speaking after the auction, Jemma described the discovery as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “It was a privilege to hold a genuine signed David Hockney print in my hands,” she said. “I’m delighted that something hidden away for so long will now help raise money for people in our community who need it most.”
David Hockney was one of Britain’s most influential and recognisable artists and passed away last month at the age of 88. Renowned for his vibrant landscapes and instantly recognisable swimming pool paintings, his work remains among the most sought-after in the world.
For The Salvation Army, the unexpected windfall will directly support its work helping vulnerable people within the local community. Major Tracey Bale, who leads the charity’s Norwich Citadel, praised Jemma’s keen eye, saying the discovery had transformed an ordinary donation into life-changing funding.
Even the anonymous buyer was pleased that their purchase would have a wider impact: “I’ve admired David Hockney’s work for many years,” they said. “It’s wonderful to know that something with such cultural significance can also make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.”
