A Seller’s Guide To David Hockney
Afternoon Swimming © David Hockney 1979
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Key Takeaways
David Hockney's print market is extensive, featuring diverse mediums and subjects that cater to various price points. High-value prints can fetch millions, while more affordable options range from £1,000 to £100,000. The artist’s iconic series, like The Arrival Of Spring and Swimming Pools, are highly sought after, showing significant value increases over the years. Maintaining gallery documentation, including receipts and stickers, along with verifying publisher stamps from reputable studios like Tyler Graphics, helps to verify authenticity. Likewise, keeping Hockney prints in pristine condition is vital, particularly for delicate works like his Paper Pools series, which are susceptible to damage due to their unique papermaking process. Proper storage and professional restoration, if needed, help preserve the artwork's value.
David Hockney is one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, recognised with numerous lifetime achievement awards. His work, exhibited in prestigious institutions, showcases his secondary art market success. Experts say Hockney's prints possess a unique quality not found in his paintings. This seller's guide offers advice on how and when to sell your Hockney print for the best outcome.
How much does a Hockney print sell for?
Hockney’s print market has shown steady growth over the years, with auction sales reaching significant figures. Based on historical sales trends, Hockney’s prints can range anywhere from under £50,000 to well over £700,000, depending on the series, edition, and condition. Some of his most sought-after works are complete sets, such as A Rake’s Progress and Dog Wall, have achieved some of the highest sales prices. Complete sets in Hockney's market are particularly rare, not only in the market but also within his broader body of work, making them highly desirable for collectors.
Beyond these standout sets, The Arrival of Spring and Swimming Pools series have gained significant traction, with individual prints from these collections regularly exceeding £100,000. These works capture recurring themes in Hockney’s career and demonstrate his masterful use of printmaking techniques. Additionally, works from The Weather Series has seen rising collector interest and can sell for anywhere between £50,000 and £100,000 for individual works, positioning it as another set to watch in the market. More affordable but equally collectible are his portrait prints, particularly those of Celia Birtwell, which showcase his technical mastery and attention to fabric and texture. While they may not command the same figures as his most iconic works, they remain important pieces within his printmaking legacy and continue to attract strong demand.
How Do I Prove My Hockney Print Is Authentic?
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.
Download Extremely Limited: David Hockney, MyArtBroker x ArtTactic
David Hockney Gallery Representation and Signature
Hockney is represented by several prestigious galleries worldwide, including L.A. Louver (California), Annely Juda Fine Art (London), and Galerie Lelong (Paris). When selling a Hockney print, maintaining gallery receipts and documentation is essential for provenance. If the work has been framed, the back will often feature a certified gallery sticker with a specific sales reference number. Additionally, many works sold through Hockney’s representing galleries have been included in past exhibitions, some of which may have published catalogues. These catalogues serve as further proof of authenticity and can enhance a piece’s exhibition history, potentially increasing its value.
Hockney prints are typically signed. His etchings and lithographs are signed in pencil on the bottom right of the paper, accompanied by a shortened year notation (e.g., ‘2010’ is written as ‘10’). The edition number is located on the bottom left, though minor variations exist. However, some Hockney photographs and exhibition posters, while still collectible, are not signed by the artist. If you own one of these and are considering selling, consulting an expert is recommended to assess their market value accurately.
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.
What if my Hockney print needs restoring?
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. Explore The Directory on MyArtBroker for a curated list of art professionals to assist with all your restoration needs. For expert conservation insights and real-life case studies, read Is That Print Still Worth Buying? featuring professional perspectives on print preservation.
When is the best time to sell my Hockney print?
Timing plays a crucial role when selling a Hockney print, as the art market moves in cycles influenced by exhibitions, retrospectives, and broader economic trends. Typically, demand and prices rise leading up to a major exhibition, and this pattern was evident with Hockney’s The Arrival of Spring collection, which took time to establish itself in the secondary market following David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020 at the Royal Academy (11 August – 26 September 2021). Despite receiving mixed critical reception, interest in these prints surged in 2022, with yearly annual increases following.
By 2023, Arrival of Spring prints continued to see strong demand, but in 2024, fewer have appeared at auction, reflecting the broader cautious art market sentiment. However, with the upcoming David Hockney LVMH exhibition in Paris premiering in April, demand for his works will not diminish as major institutional recognition often fuels collector interest. That said, it’s important to remember that fluctuations in pricing and availability are normal in the art market. In softer periods, collectors may hold onto high-value works, waiting for stronger conditions before selling.
Despite market fluctuations, Hockney’s market remains exceptionally strong. As Lindsay Dewar from ArtTactic highlights, “Hockney’s sales last year reached $125 million in 2024 alone, marking a 26% increase from the previous year.” This sustained growth reflects ongoing confidence in his market, indicating that while certain prints may be temporarily scarce, collector demand for his most iconic works continues to drive significant sales.
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.
Looking To Sell Your David Hockney Prints?
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Ways to Sell with MyArtBroker
At MyArtBroker, our specialists provide a free market valuation for your artwork, offering a level of transparency unmatched in today’s market. In addition to our valuations, through our online Trading Floor, you can access real-time insights into works by the artist you’re looking to sell, including pieces that are most in demand, wanted, or currently for sale: allowing sellers to trust the valuation that they are provided.
Additionally, the MyPortfolio collection management service grants you free access to our comprehensive print market database. This resource allows you to review auction histories for the specific work you’re looking to sell, including hammer prices, values paid, and seller returns. In a fluctuating market, this historical data is invaluable - and often comes at a cost elsewhere - offering insights into past and current values to further inform decisions based on market timing and conditions. In addition to our specialists guidance, you have concrete data.
Our approach is tailored to align with the unique attributes of each artwork, and offer optimal results:
How a Private Sale Works
Unlike peer-to-peer platforms, which lack specialised expertise, authenticity guarantees, and legal infrastructure for high-value sales, MyArtBroker operates through private sales ensuring a secure and seamless transaction process. We charge sellers 0% to sell, and take a small commission from our buyers, absorbing essential aspects including insurance, shipping, and marketing - at no extra cost to the seller. There is no magic to it, we’re a lean specialised business with less overheads than traditional models meaning we can do better for our clients.
Our revenue is derived from buyer commissions only, which are individually negotiated upon offer, and we aim to give the client the best return in the market place. By focusing on high-value artworks in excess of £10,000, we provide specialised care and expertise, ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves, while simultaneously maximising returns with our clients. For works that fall below this threshold speak to the team about a recommendation, we offer market advisory free of charge. Our goal at MyArtBroker is to offer a seamless solution, setting us apart in the art market.
Advisory and Recommendations
In cases for artists and artworks, where our existing network of collectors isn’t the best fit due to value, medium or condition we collaborate with reputable partners to facilitate its sale. Carefully tailoring your artwork to the right party. This tailored approach is especially important as it considers the unique attributes of each artwork, providing sellers with the best possible outcome in today’s shifting art market. You can discuss this approach with us without charge as part of our advisory service.
Such recommendations are on a case-by-case basis, and ensures broader exposure and takes advantage of our knowledge of where a work will do best.
Why Sell Your Hockney With MyArtBroker?
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 minimises 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.
Read our cohesive report to navigate the art market as a seller: A Guide to Selling Prints in the Current Market.
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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.
What is The Value Of My Hockney Print?
Request a free and zero obligation valuation with our team without hesitation. Track your prints & editions with MyPortfolio.
