A Salvation Army volunteer found a signed David Hockney print hidden inside a donated book; 46 years later, it sold for £41,160

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. 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. It attracted strong bidding and sold for £41,160 to an anonymous buyer. The sale will help fund The Salvation Army’s work supporting people and communities in need across the area.How did a donated book hide a £41,000 Hockney print for 46 yearsAccording to The Salvation Army, 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. 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.The charity said the discovery was made after Banks realised that the book might be more significant than an ordinary second-hand donation. Recognising the potential importance of the artwork, she and her colleagues carefully handled it while conducting further research to establish its significance.How did a donated book sell for £41,160 at auctionFollowing the discovery, colleagues at the Salvation Army Trading Company, which operates the Norwich shop and the charity's online eBay store, researched the book and its contents. The publication was subsequently listed for auction through The Salvation Army's Collectables & Curiosity eBay shop.Bidding gathered pace, and the book containing the signed print eventually sold for £41,160. The buyer, who requested anonymity, collected the book and artwork after the sale. The purchase also supported the charity's work, which helps people and communities in need.How did a local artist spot a rare David Hockney printBanks said she was surprised to find an authentic signed print that had remained safely inside the book for decades. 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.”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. Banks said she was pleased that the artwork would help raise money for people in the local community who needed support.Why did a buyer pay £41,160 for a David Hockney printThe winning bidder said he had admired Hockney's work for many years and was delighted to acquire the signed print. 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.”He also highlighted the charitable purpose behind the purchase, saying he was pleased that the transaction would support The Salvation Army's work. He added: “It's wonderful to know that something with such cultural significance can also make a meaningful difference to people's lives.”How did a volunteer's curiosity uncover a £41,160 artworkMajor 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. She said the discovery demonstrated how volunteers' attention to donated items could lead to unexpected outcomes.Bale said: “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.”She also highlighted the contribution made by volunteers who handle donations regularly. According to Bale, the discovery illustrated the care, expertise and dedication volunteers bring to their work, while reinforcing the importance of donations to the charity's activities.Why is David Hockney's Paper Pools book worth £41,160Paper Pools, published in 1980, features a selection of Hockney's swimming pool artworks, which have become closely associated with the artist's career. The original signed print found inside the book made the copy an exceptionally rare collector's item.According to the BBC, Hockney was an influential British artist known internationally for his work across painting and other artistic media. He died in June 2026 at the age of 88. The discovery in Norwich combined the value of a rare artwork and the charitable purpose of a second-hand book sale. After remaining hidden for 46 years, the signed print sold for £41,160, with the proceeds helping support The Salvation Army's work in the community.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.