Discovering an original piece of iconic pop culture artwork dating back to the 1980s was the last thing Surrey charity shop volunteer Leigh Dorling expected to find while sorting through bags of donations. The 60-year-old from Chertsey did a double take as he carefully lifted an original Pink Floyd cover art from a stack of prints that had been donated to the shop.
Leigh was certain the item he had laid hands on was the real deal, so reported it to bosses who instructed the team to hold onto the art for a couple of weeks, in case the former owner regretted handing it over. No one was missing the piece, so Leigh offered to purchase it.
Once in his care, Leigh set about researching what he suspected to be a valuable piece of art. The blue female figure was crafted by Tim Davies, and spotted by Storm Thorgerson, a prominent art and music video director, who worked closely with the London rock band.
“I found the artist, who is based in Germany, and in about two to three weeks I received a letter of authenticity,” Leigh told SurreyLive. He continued: “Tim was sure the artwork he made was lost.”
Leigh holds his rare find
(Image: Leigh Dorling)
During 1988, freelance artist Tim was working for design company icon, Nexus, in London. Colin Chambers commissioned Tim to create cover art for Blue Matisse with very little time.
Tim took clippings from Vogue and Elle magazines, and began scrawling with oil pastels and paint to create the shadow-like figure. He left his art at the Goodge Street studio, only to return the next day to discover his work had vanished.
Storm Thorgerson and a member of Pink Floyd had earlier dropped in to the studio and swooped in on Tim’s work, which before long, was being plastered across city billboards. He was paid £50 for his troubles.
The Another Brick in The Wall hitmaker band formed in London, in 1965, and are famed for social commentary on widespread issues such as corporal punishment in schools and exploitation of the working class, particularly in the 70s and 80s. The band’s psychedelic take paved the way for rock music for generations to come.
The work now in Leigh’s possession was banned in America, for being deemed too racy. It was meant to be used as cover art for the single One Slip from album A Momentary Lapse in Judgement, but didn’t pass censorship laws, creating controversy.
Leigh said: “It feels really good to have found the art. I am sure that the Pink Floyd fans would bite my arm off for it – I do have a couple of Pink Floyd records myself.” Despite how desirable the art is, Leigh insists it is not for sale.
“If I sold it, I could never replace it. I could never find that original art work again. It’s not worth having it evaluated because it isn’t for sale.
“One day I hope to move abroad, my family lives in Thailand. This Pink Floyd art work will be the one thing I bring with me.”
While Leigh doesn’t know what the art is worth, a similar piece recently sold in San Francisco for around £1.8 million dollars, according to Leigh’s research. Leigh sends thanks to artist Tim Davies for taking the time to talk to him, and sending a letter of authenticity.