PC: The Salvation Army
A Salvation Army volunteer in Norwich discovered an original signed print by British artist David Hockney hidden inside a donated copy of his 1980 book Paper Pools. The artwork had remained tucked inside the publication for 46 years before volunteer and local artist Jemma Banks recognised its potential significance. It attracted strong bidding and sold for £41,160 to an anonymous buyer. Published in 1980, the book showcases some of the artist’s swimming pool artworks. The signed print had remained tucked inside the publication for 46 years. Reflecting on the discovery, she 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.
The donated copy of Paper Pools contained an original signed print featuring a swimming pool, an image associated with Hockney’s celebrated body of work, according to The Salvation Army. Banks said she was surprised to find an authentic signed print that had remained safely inside the book for decades. The winning bidder said he had admired Hockney’s work for many years and was delighted to acquire the signed print.
The charity said the discovery was made after Banks realised that the book might be more significant than an ordinary second-hand donation. Banks said she was pleased that the artwork would help raise money for people in the local community who needed support. In a statement shared by The Salvation Army, the buyer said: “I’ve admired David Hockney’s work for many years, so acquiring such an iconic piece is incredibly special. She said the discovery demonstrated how volunteers’ attention to donated items could lead to unexpected outcomes.
Research by the Salvation Army Trading Company found that the book containing the rare print was listed for auction on the charity’s eBay shop. The sale will help fund The Salvation Army’s work supporting people and communities in need across the area. Recognising the potential importance of the artwork, she and her colleagues carefully handled it while conducting further research to establish its significance. She added that her experience as a local artist had helped her recognise that the book might be special, although she had not expected the discovery to prove so significant. Major Tracey Bale, who leads The Salvation Army’s Norwich Citadel and works closely with the charity shop’s staff, credited Banks’s knowledge and curiosity with helping bring the artwork to light.
