IF you think finding a $5 in your back pocket is a thrill, imagine the excitement for this art gallery volunteer who found a $15,000 Margaret Preston print in an old book.
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New England Regional Art Museum volunteer Silvia Ransom was updating the catalogue in the Howard Hinton Library when she discovered this wood-cut print made to accompany the book Margaret Preston: Recent Paintings in 1929.
While the A4-sized print is magnificent to look at, what surprised museum director Caroline Downer was its dollar value.
“It’s actually an interesting coincidence because the same day Silvia found that print there was an ad in The Sydney Morning Herald from an auction house for the same print, which was valued at $15,000,” Ms Downer said.
“Margaret Preston’s ... prints are unique and they are only limited runs.”
The print will feature in an exhibition next year, and a number of books from the Hinton Library’s 2000-odd collection will also be on display.
“It’s a research library so books can’t be borrowed, but we welcome researchers and students,” Ms Downer said.
Three quarters of the library has been catalogued, with the Margaret Preston print one of the gems unearthed in the process.
Anyone wanting to view the books can make an appointment by contacting the museum on 6772 5255.
