Whether you are a regular browser aiming to save a few pennies or you agree primarily they should exist for good causes, not to satisfy bargain hunters, charity shops are a fixture on our high streets.
Own-brand and discounted lines now sit happily alongside second-hand items donated from around the country, but the joy for many customers remains the eternal search for uniquities.
Just this week, an ochre and charcoal artwork by an internationally exhibited Aboriginal artist from Western Australia was discovered and sold for $1,800. Then, an edition with perhaps less significance in itself: a copy of William Blake’s Songs of Innocence, made more valuable because of scribbled lyrics from a previous owner – Thom Yorke of Radiohead. That 50p volume is set to fetch upwards of £1,000 at auction after staff spotted who was donating before slapping on a price tag.
Many of you will have discovered a gem or two, or simply found that wardrobe staples can be better value than in high street stores, but we want to hear about your surprising discoveries.
Have you found out something interesting about a previous owner – even if it didn’t add value to the item? Maybe there’s been some local history or significance to delve in to? Perhaps you have volunteered in a charity shop and have a story or two about what has been donated?
You can share your stories of where and when you made the discoveries – with pictures of the items if you have them – via GuardianWitness but clicking the blue buttons at the top and bottom of this article. We’ll round up a few of the best in an article or gallery on the Guardian.
- GuardianWitness is the home of readers’ content on the Guardian. Contribute your video, pictures and stories, and browse news, reviews and creations submitted by others. You can also use the Guardian app and search for ‘GuardianWitness assignments’ – add it to the homepage to keep up with all our assignments.
