A Seller’s Guide To David Hockney

Hockney's nearly 70-year career marks him as one of the most experimental and prolific English artists today. While Hockney originals are highly revered, he has excelled in printmaking. He created his first etching in 1952 at age 17, and since then, his practice has expanded to include etchings, lithographs, aquatints, 'homemade prints' using photocopiers and faxes, printed iPad drawings, and photographic collage editions of his most beloved paintings.

The diverse range of mediums in Hockney's market caters to various price points. Unique prints can fetch millions at auction, as exemplified by the recent sale of Andalucia. Fountains, Cordova (2004), which sold for £1.8 million (with fees) in March 2024. In 2023, 23% of Hockney's £15.3 million print market was made up of works priced £700,000 and above, this percentage is comprised of two sales, Hockney's Green Pool With Diving Board And Shadow (paper Pool 3) (1978). While these high-value sales are noteworthy, the mid-tier of Hockney's market comprises approximately 23%. The majority of his market that year consisted of works priced between £50,000 and £100,000 (21%) and those up to £50,000 (33%), demonstrating the breadth of his market.

Hockney's editioned print market is extensive, featuring a variety of subjects and prices ranging from £1,000 to over £500,000. This diversity highlights the broad appeal of his artistic oeuvre. Some of the most sought-after and highest-valued collections on the market are from The Arrival of Spring, which includes 61 individual works. Most are in editions of 25, valued around £300,000, with extremely rare editions of ten valued at £400,000 and above.

Also popular in Hockney's oeuvre are his Swimming Pools, quintessential to his artistic legacy and offer high value works at slightly lower price points. The ASP of Hockney's Swimming Pools collection has increased dramatically, rising from £27,000 in 2020 to nearly £60,000 in 2021, with continued increases in the following years. While The Arrival of Spring and Swimming Pools collections are well-known highlights of Hockney's work, other lesser-known pieces have also seen significant value increases. For instance, the ASP of Hockney's The Weather series has risen nearly sixfold since 2019, reaching £44,000.

Hockney's print range extends even further. He was an incredibly skilled portraitist, drawing inspiration from his family, friends, and lovers. One of his most notable collections is dedicated to his muse and friend Celia Birtwell, offering more affordable options for Hockney enthusiasts, with prices ranging from £4,000 to £13,000. Other prints from portrait collections, such as those of Gregory Evans, can be acquired for under £10,000. Prints from collections based on fairy tales and literature, like A Rake's Progress and Illustrations for Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm, can be obtained for under £5,000.

The David Hockney Foundation

The David Hockney Foundation, established in 2008, functions as both a registered charity and a private operating foundation. The foundation owns more than 8,000 artworks, including editioned works and originals from various stages of Hockney's career. While it does not issue certificates of authenticity (COA) for verifying Hockney artworks, it serves as a valuable resource for researching different periods of Hockney's work, listing all artworks in public collections and providing an extensive exhibition history. This makes it an invaluable research tool for identifying different periods within Hockney's artistic oeuvre.

While there is currently no official catalogue raisonné for Hockney's body of work, The Art Newspaper reported in May 2024 that a comprehensive David Hockney catalogue raisonné is underway. Set to embrace digital innovation, it will be available online in 2026. The debut volume will focus on the artist’s paintings, documenting more than 35,000 works.

David Hockney Gallery Representation and Signature

Hockney is represented by various galleries including the L.A. Louver, Annely Juda Fine Art, Galerie LeLong, and others. Maintaining gallery receipts and documentation is crucial for provenance when selling your Hockney print, as the back of the work, if framed, will have a certified gallery sticker with a specific sales reference number. Often, works from galleries representing Hockney have been featured in exhibitions held by these galleries. These exhibitions may have published a catalogue featuring the work, providing proof of authenticity and an exhibition history that can add potential value to the piece.

Hockney prints will be signed. For signed etchings and lithographs, Hockney signs in pencil on the bottom right of the paper along with a shortened year (for example, ‘2010’ is written as ‘10’). The edition number is written on the bottom left of the paper, though there are variations.

However, certain Hockney photographs and exhibition posters, which do hold value, are not signed by the artist. If you own one of these and are considering selling, it is important to contact an expert to help determine the value of these works.

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David Hockney Publishers

When selling a Hockney print, it is crucial to consider and verify the publisher. Hockney collaborated with various publishers throughout his career, and his etchings and lithographs often feature the publisher's blind stamp. He has worked with several publishers and print studios for decades, often unique to certain collections. Tyler Graphics, is associated with Hockney's unique Paper Pools works involving a unique process that blend printmaking and painting, which add significant value and authenticity to these works. The studios were run by master printer Kenneth Tyler, with whom Hockney had previously collaborated on lithographs at Tyler's Gemini workshop in Los Angeles.

Editions Alecto published Hockney’s A Rake’s Progress series in 1963, Petersburg Press published Illustrations for Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm in 1969, and Hockney has collaborated with Gemini G.E.L. since 1973. Hockney also publishes signed prints of his iPad drawings himself, occasionally adding his own blind stamp to the paper along with his signature, date, and edition number. While publishers do not verify works or prove authenticity beyond doubt, the blind stamp of a well-known printing studio can add an extra layer of authenticity to a Hockney print.

The condition of your Hockney print significantly affects its value. Particularly valuable works, like his unique Paper Pool prints, are more susceptible to damage due to their distinctive papermaking process. Any imperfections can decrease their value. Hockney's Home Made Prints series, created using photocopiers, are also valuable due to their unique printing method but are similarly susceptible to damage. Hockney's most recent iPad drawings, given their recent production date, are likely in pristine condition. However, maintaining the condition of Hockney's innovative print works is crucial for achieving the best value.

One common issue is undulation, where paper distorts due to changes in temperature and humidity. Check for discolouration from over-exposure to light, and look for scratches, tears, or stains. Improper framing or mounting can also cause damage. It is always advisable to contact a specialist if there are any signs of damage or need for restoration. MyArtBroker can assist, as we have a network of external contacts to help with conservation and preservation needs. For more information on restoring your print, refer to MyArtBroker’s guide to restoring and caring for prints, or contact our experts for advice on whether restoration is required for your Hockney print.

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Timing is crucial when selling your Hockney print, as the art market operates in cycles. Typically, the lead-up to an artist's exhibition or retrospective increases demand and prices. However, during and after the exhibition, it's sometimes common to see a slight drop in prices and valuations. The art market is nuanced; for instance, new prints like Hockney's The Arrival of Spring collection may take time to reach the secondary market. This was evident after David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020 at the Royal Academy from 11 August - 26 September 2021. Despite mixed reviews, the demand for Hockney's Arrival of Spring prints increased in volume and sales value in 2022. These works showed continued market popularity in 2023, but in 2024, they have appeared less frequently, which could affect their value. In a softening market, sellers might hold onto high-value prints, waiting for a more favourable time to sell.

Another factor influencing selling times is market saturation. For example, Hockney's Pool Made With Paper and Blue Ink For Book (1980) pays homage to one of his most iconic subjects. This print has seen high market prominence due to its volume. While its individual value has increased over the years, the frequent trading often results in value fluctuations. With MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio, sellers can access global auction sales data for specific prints. Our value indicator analyses these results and produces real-time valuations. Read our latest case study to learn how industry professionals and seller's utilise our bespoke technology.

Browse David Hockney prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about print market performance in the David Hockney investment Guide.

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When deciding to sell your Hockney print, there are various avenues to explore, including auction houses, private sales, and online sales. Each option offers distinct advantages, catering to different aspects of the market.

SELLING A DAVID HOCKNEY VIA AUCTION HOUSE

Auction houses are a popular choice for selling artwork due to their ability to provide accurate valuations, thanks to their longstanding expertise in the market. Experts will appraise your artwork and attract the right buyers through their extensive market base. The theatrical nature of auctions can drive up the value of your work beyond estimates, potentially resulting in a healthy return.

However, there are drawbacks to auction sales. One major disadvantage is the high fees, which can include marketing, storage, condition checks, and seller commissions, often exceeding 25%. Additionally, auction houses operate on strict timetables and schedules, meaning you have little control over when your artwork will be included in a sale. Due to a backlog of prints, auction houses often limit the number of the same prints by the same artist in one sale, possibly causing delays and affecting liquidity.

There is also the risk that your artwork may not sell, which can damage its value and the artist's market. For more detailed insights into the advantages and drawbacks of auction sales, refer to our Auction vs. Private Sale Guide.

SELLING A DAVID HOCKNEY PRIVATELY VIA BROKER

An alternative to public auction sales is selling via the private market, which offers multiple options. One option is a private broker. Private brokers provide a more personalised experience and can guide you through the valuation process to ensure you understand it fully. Many brokers have art market or auction house experience and possess a client base that can attract buyers for your print. However, it's crucial to choose a reputable broker with expertise in the artist's market you're targeting to achieve optimal results. Keep in mind that brokers also have their own set of fees.

Alternatively, online dealerships like MyArtBroker offer a modern approach. With advancements in online and art technology, many sellers are turning to the convenience of online dealerships. These platforms provide a personal experience, along with art tech tools that enhance transparency and help you understand the nuances of the art market. MyArtbroker's Trading Floor directly reflects demand and connects sellers with buyers interested in specific prints. Contact one of our sales experts to explore our network and trading options further.

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A DEDICATED EXPERT

MyArtBroker offers a more personalised experience than working with an auction house. Our sales experts guide you through the selling process, providing a tailored transaction experience by connecting buyers and sellers through our online Trading Floor. As the world's largest platform for prints and multiple sales, we possess extensive knowledge of the market and the medium. We can source direct buyers through our network, ensuring you receive the fair market value for your artwork.

MINIMISE RISK

At MyArtBroker, we strive to offer an unparalleled level of transparency regarding current market conditions and the sale of your artwork. Our due diligence process minimizes risk by ensuring the authentication and provenance of your piece. We leverage our internal expertise and collaborate with trusted external partners to reduce the risk of counterfeit trading. Additionally, we mitigate the risks associated with public auction sales, such as unsold items that can impact value and the artist's market, by facilitating private sales that provide faster liquidity outside of auction seasons.

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Our team specialises in acquiring rare and special edition prints, serving both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. We offer complimentary valuations and charge no seller's fees, setting us apart from other private dealers and traditional auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we prioritise digital innovation and targeted marketing strategies through our network and in-house magazine.

When selling artwork, securing the best price depends on accessing a niche market with an established collector base. For those considering selling a Hockney print, partnering with a print market expert like MyArtBroker yields superior outcomes compared to auction houses that cater to broader categories of art trading.

OUR NETWORK

Through our dynamic live Trading Floor, we empower our network of over 30,000 collectors, fundamentally transforming the landscape of art investment and trading in the digital era. By providing real-time market data and insights from a global community of collectors, we determine value based on convenience, accessibility, and exceptional transparency and security. This approach benefits tens of thousands of users who rely on our platform for seamless transactions and informed decision-making.

HOCKNEY COLLECTION MANAGEMENT WITH MYPORTFOLIO

MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a comprehensive collection management tool, enabling collectors to manage and monitor their prints and editions while tracking current values. This feature provides access to our print market database, which includes over 50,000 auction histories from global auction houses, integrated with our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm analyses public auction and private sales data to provide real-time valuations for individual prints, considering factors like condition, colour, and other variables influencing value. Financial Quant expert Stuart Jamieson elaborates on the workings of these algorithms in an interview.

Advanced art technology tools are essential for navigating today's dynamic digital art market. Integrating Hockney prints into the MyPortfolio dashboard on our website empowers users to monitor unique sales opportunities and track market performance in real time, simplifying the sales process. Our innovative technology has revolutionised art portfolio management, enhancing accessibility and providing data-driven insights for informed decision-making. MyArtBroker leverages state-of-the-art technology driven by comprehensive data analysis, complemented by our team of industry professionals, to deliver an exceptional experience.

Browse Hockney prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about print market performance in the David Hockney Investment Guide.

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