ORIGINAL David Hockney art - faxed by the artist from California to a Bradford childhood friend in the 1980s - is to be auctioned to raise funds for a York charity.

'DH at the beach' was sent by the artist from his Malibu beach home to Michael Powell on November 10,1988.

Now it is set to be auctioned along with about 30 other pieces of art at a charity auction at York St John University 's Quad South Hall on the evening of Saturday, October 11.

The event will raise funds for the Wilberforce Trust, which supports people with sight loss in York.

Trust spokesman Roger Livesey said Mr Powell's step-daughter Marylin Bentham was operations manager at the Trust. He had therefore donated the fax when he heard about the auction, which mainly features pieces either by artists with sight loss or other disabilities or simply local artists.

He said Mr Powell, an old school friend of Hockney, believed the faxed picture to be unique and one of a series of eight faxes, the others of which were in the possession of his brother and other family members.

"The date and time sent can be clearly seen on the fax," he said.

"I have absolutely no idea how much it will fetch. Hockney, who sent 'art' faxes to friends in the late 1980s and early 90s, has himself said the faxes are worthless. Nevertheless, originals have sold for considerable sums at auction.

"The fax, framed, is one of about 30 pieces of art donated to the charity for the auction."

He said the auction at 7pm would be preceded by an afternoon viewing from noon. "Entry to the viewing and auction is by catalogue which costs £10, this including an evening drinks reception," he said.

BBC Radio York’s Jonathan Cowap will be MC for the event and a specialist auctioneer has been engaged.

Money raised will go towards a trust legacy garden project and a living and learning zone project, providing creative activities for people with sight loss and/or other disabilities.

For more information, visit www.wilberforcetrust.org.uk/2014/08/art-auction-11-october-2014/

Call 01904 760037 or email enquiry@wilberforcetrust.org.uk.