David Hockney’s Early Works Showcase in New Exhibition

David Hockney made headlines when one of his iconic swimming pool photographs fetched a staggering $90.3 million (£70.3 million), solidifying his status as the most valuable contemporary artist globally. Now, for the first time, a collection of his paintings and prints from the 1960s, which were once sold for mere pounds, is being exhibited.

John Kasmin, the art dealer who recognized Hockney’s talent while studying at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in the early ’60s, shared with The Guardian that back then, Hockney’s artworks rarely sold for more than £20. In fact, some of his pieces were priced as low as £5.

Before establishing his own gallery, Kasmin showcased Hockney’s works from the back room of a London Gallery. “Selling them wasn’t a challenge,” he recalls. “He quickly gained popularity.”

Kasmin first met Hockney in 1961 when the artist struggled to afford paint and canvas, leading him to utilize the RCA’s print department, which offered free supplies. The 90-year-old dealer describes Hockney as a reserved young man. “We clicked right away. I’m only three years older than him.”

Hockney’s drawings were sold for between £18 and £22, with Kasmin presenting the artist’s first solo exhibition in 1963. This month, Kasmin’s grandson, Louis Casmin, is organizing an exhibition highlighting Hockney’s lesser-known early works titled The Mood for Love: Hockney in London, which opens on May 21st, featuring pieces from 1960 to 1963 at Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert in London.

Louis Casmin noted, “Many of these works haven’t been exhibited for decades. Some were bought in the 1960s and have stayed with their original owners. Some individuals traveled directly between the collection and gallery without competing in exhibitions.” He emphasizes that while the showcased works may not be widely recognized, they are critical pieces from that foundational era. “We have studies that relate to one of Hockney’s most famous paintings,” he adds.

Hockney, who hails from Bradford, was inspired by the allure of the American Dream, particularly the imagery of swimming pools and sunlight. His masterpieces, such as the expansive 1967 piece called Splash, now at Tate Britain, depict a turquoise pool shimmering under California’s bright sky.

Kasmin remembers that original sales prices for some of these works were around £300. Supported by the David Hockney Foundation, Hazlitt Holland Hibbert aims to explore “Hockney’s making for both artists and individuals.”

The exhibition’s catalogue illustrates the early works leading up to Hockney’s move to the US at the close of 1963, marking a pivotal phase in his artistic journey. This period bridged his 1960s formation and his later innovative experiments. Pieces like Two Friends (Cul de Sac) from 1963 feature two nude men, reflecting Hockney’s exploration of sexuality during a time when homosexuality was still illegal in England.

Louis Casmin remarked, “These pieces have never been displayed together before. Hockney’s exhibitions often feature one or two notable works from this timeframe, but not a comprehensive exploration.”