A rare early artwork by David Hockney, created when he was just 19, is heading to auction at Tennants Auctioneers' Modern and Contemporary Art Sale on June 13. The mixed media piece, titled *Bolton Junction Eccleshill, Bradford*, depicts scenes from Hockney's hometown and is expected to fetch between £7,000 and £10,000. Originally purchased by Hockney's tutor Malcolm Riley at the artist's end-of-year show, the work reflects the perspective lessons Hockney learned at Bradford Regional College of Art. The sale also features works by other notable northern artists, including two drawings by L.S. Lowry, pieces by mining artists Norman Cornish and Tom McGuinness, and ceramics by Pablo Picasso, alongside lots by Damien Hirst and David Bailey.
This auction matters because it offers a rare glimpse into Hockney's formative years, highlighting the early development of a now-iconic artist. The strong market for early works by major figures like Hockney, combined with the inclusion of regional artists such as Lowry, Cornish, and McGuinness, underscores the enduring value and collector interest in British art from the North. The sale also reflects broader art market trends, where provenance—such as the direct link to Hockney's tutor—can significantly boost an artwork's appeal and price.