An iconic photographic print of David Bowie anonymously donated to the Cardinal Hume Centre’s charity shop in Westminster has fetched £1,000 at auction, making it one of the highest value single items ever sold in the shop’s 31-year history. The money raised by the shop goes towards the vital work of the Cardinal Hume Centre, which helps individuals and families overcome poverty and the threat of homelessness.
Entitled Moonage Daydream Collage, the striking artwork by legendary rock photographer Mick Rock, was found in a bag of pre-loved clothes. On discovering the unframed 35.5cm x 28cm print, shop volunteer Valerie Sutton suspected the item was an original and contacted Rosebery’s auction house who duly confirmed its authenticity.
Volunteer Valerie Sutton said: ‘This was a really exciting thing to happen in my first week working here. My working background is in the arts and so it was a real joy to come across this unexpected piece. It’s an amazing thing to be donated and I still can’t believe that it was just tucked away in a large bag of clothes. I’m so pleased I was there that day… and that we didn’t spill anything on it!’
Shop manager, Jayati Pramanik, said: ‘We receive an eclectic mix of donations at our shop, including gorgeous designer clothes, shoes and jewellery. But we’ve never received such a valuable, iconic piece of art. It’s just remarkable. The money it has raised will make a huge difference to the people we help here at the Cardinal Hume Centre.’
The Cardinal Hume Centre is currently looking to recruit additional volunteer retail assistants to work at its charity shop, based at 110 Horseferry Road SW1. The shop accepts donations of high quality, pre-loved items and is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. For more details on how to apply, please contact www.cardinalhumecentre.org.uk/help-us/volunteering.
