The Salvation Army has made a remarkable discovery in one of its donated books, which turned out to be a rare and valuable print by the late British artist David Hockney.
A volunteer at the Salvation Army noticed the print, and after further research by the Salvation Army Trading Company and an online eBay store, the book was listed for auction on The Salvation Army's Collectables & Curiosity eBay shop.
The anonymous buyer was thrilled with his purchase, saying, "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. It's wonderful to know that something with such cultural significance can also make a meaningful difference to people's lives."
The book, published in 1980, is called Paper Pools and features some of Hockney's most celebrated swimming pool artworks. The original signed print enclosed within the book made it an exceptionally rare collector's piece, which sold for £41,160.
The Salvation Army has praised the volunteer who made the discovery, saying, "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."
Major Tracey Bale, who leads The Salvation Army's Norwich Citadel, added, "Our volunteers see thousands of donations every week, and this story highlights the expertise, care, and dedication they bring every single day. Every donation matters, and occasionally one arrives that has an extraordinary story to tell."
David Hockney was one of the most celebrated and influential British artists of modern times, known for his use of different formats and his embracing of digital art. He died peacefully at home on June 11, leaving behind a legacy of iconic works of art.
