A signed print by the renowned British artist David Hockney has sold for more than £41,000 after being discovered in a book donated to a Salvation Army charity shop in Norwich. The print was found inside a 1980 copy of Hockney's "Paper Pools," which had been donated to the shop on Goat Lane approximately a year ago.
A volunteer at the Salvation Army shop recently uncovered the print while browsing through the donated book. The artwork depicts a swimming pool and bears the signature of David Hockney, who died last month at the age of 88. The book and print were subsequently listed for auction on the charity's eBay site.
An anonymous bidder ultimately purchased the item for £41,160. Jemma Banks, a long-serving Salvation Army volunteer and local artist who discovered the print, described it as a "privilege to hold a genuine signed David Hockney print." She expressed amazement that the artwork had remained preserved within the book for 46 years, appearing "as fresh as the day it came off the lithographic press."
Banks, who recognized the potential significance of the book as a local artist, stated, "I never imagined just how significant it would turn out to be." She added that she is delighted that the hidden artwork will now help raise funds for individuals in need within the local community.
