David Hockney
Painter, Draftsman, Printmaker, and Photographer · Art - Contemporary
Royal Academy of Arts / Pop Art Movement
Era
Late 1980s (Dated 1988 on the item)
Item Type
Exhibition Poster
Condition
Excellent; signature is clear with no fading, though the item shows some edge wear and a central shadow in the photo.
Rarity
Moderate; Hockney is a prolific signer but signed posters from specific 1980s exhibits are becoming more sought after.
Overall Assessment
A genuine and aesthetically pleasing example of a Hockney signature on a period-correct exhibition item. High desirability for art collectors.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (Confidence: 95%)
Signature Style
Cursive lowercase scrawl with a distinct vertical 'D' and stylized 'H'/'y' baseline loop
Signature Characteristics
Fast, fluid motion; the 'D' has a strong vertical start; the latter half of the name tapers off into a wavy line typical of his quick signatures.
Ink & Medium
Blue ink ballpoint pen on matte paper stock
Item Description
A promotional poster for a David Hockney exhibition running from September 7 to October 2, 1988.
Estimated Value
$400 - $700 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified examples from the late 1980s; specifically, the 'y' descender loop and the abbreviated 'Hockney' formation.
Authentication Tips
Look for the characteristic 'h' that flows into a series of rhythmic humps and the looped 'D' in David which often looks like an 'I' or 'l'.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett (BAS) for autograph verification.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the pen pressure is consistent with a natural hand-signed autograph.
Provenance Notes
Ideally, this would be accompanied by proof of attendance at the 1988 exhibition listed on the poster.
Historical Context
Signed during the peak of Hockney's 'Photocollage' and 'Hockney's Alphabet' era shortly after his first major retrospectives.
Market Trends
Appreciating; Hockney is considered one of the most influential living artists, driving higher demand for his signed ephemera.
Investment Potential
Strong; as his major works reach record auction prices (e.g., $90M+), even small signed items provide a stable entry point for collectors.
Similar Autographs
Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, or Peter Blake.
Display & Preservation
Use UV-filtering glass and acid-free mounting to prevent the wood-pulp poster paper from yellowing and the ink from fading.
Interesting Facts
Hockney often signed posters for fans at his shows, but as he aged, he became more selective, preferring to sign through official galleries.