Collector’s Guide to David Hockney: Pricing, Value & Collectability
David Hockney is not just a cultural icon, he’s one of the most commercially successful living artists. His oil paintings have repeatedly broken auction records, while his prints serve as accessible entry points for collectors. In this guide, we explore how much David Hockney is worth, what his paintings and prints are valued at, and where collectors can purchase or view his art.
How Much is David Hockney Worth?
Hockney’s net worth is estimated to exceed £100 million, underpinned by blockbuster auction results. His 1972 painting Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) realised US $90.3 million at Christie’s in November 2018—the highest price paid at auction for a work by a living artist.
What is David Hockney’s Most Expensive Painting?
The record-holder remains Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) at US $90.3 million. Other high-selling works include Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica at approximately £21 million, and The Splash (1966), which fetched £23.1 million at Sotheby’s London in February 2020.
How Much Do David Hockney Paintings Sell For?
While iconic works achieve £20–90 million, typical Hockney paintings sell in the £1–5 million range.
How Much Are David Hockney Prints Worth?
• General prints often sell for £1,000–5,000, representing a popular and more affordable segment.
• Major editions—especially signed ones—average around £30,000 in recent years.
• Landmark sales include a rare large-scale edition of The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate that sold for £504,000 in 2022.
• The record for a single print, Piscine de Medianoche (Paper Pool 30), reached £7.56 million at Sotheby’s in May 2018.
How Much Do David Hockney Paintings Sell For at Auction?
David Hockney is consistently one of the top-selling living contemporary artists. Recent auction data reveals a wide performance range, reflecting both his mid-market appeal and record-breaking headline works:
• Mid-market works typically fetch between £1–5 million.
• "Path Through Wheat Field, July" (2005) sold for US $4.34 million (£3.42 million) during Phillips’ London October 2024 Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Sale—approximately 64% above its estimate
• Bonhams saw “Pool Made with Paper and Blue Ink for Book” (1980) realise US $55,900, about 49% above estimate, during their May 2024 sale .
• The prestigious Phillips David Hockney auction in September 2024 featured 57 lots and achieved a total sale of £1.78 million, with standout records including:
o The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate (2011) at £317,500
o Hockney’s Dog Wall (1998) at £254,000 .
The Splash, 1996
£2.6 million
Portrait of an Artist, 1972
US $90.3 million
Nichols Canyon, 1980
£30.7 million
The Splash, 1996 (Sotheby's London)
£23.1 million
Path Through Wheat Field, 2005
US $4.34 million
These figures demonstrate the breadth of Hockney’s appeal—from six-figure mid-level works to headline-grabbing masterpieces. Significant premiums above estimates reflect strong buyer confidence and highlight his ongoing relevance in today’s market.
Collector Advice – What Affects Value in Hockney Art?
1. Provenance: Confirmed ownership history enhances value
2. Edition and rarity: Smaller editions and artists’ proofs command premiums
3. Subject matter: Pool scenes and Californian landscapes typically attract higher prices
4. Condition: Mint condition pieces are favoured; posters or unsigned versions hold minimal value
5. Market trends: iPad drawings and digital prints are gaining prominence among collectors
Where Can I Buy David Hockney Prints or Paintings?
If you're looking to purchase David Hockney’s artwork, our gallery, Lougher Contemporary, offers a trusted and transparent gateway into the market:
Collection of Originals and Prints
Lougher frequently features both limited-edition prints and original works by David Hockney. We have a diverse selection including his iPad drawings and Paper Pool works.
Curated Buying Support
As a UK-based specialist, Lougher provides expert guidance, covering provenance, edition size, condition, framing, insurance, and market value, making it easier for collectors and investors to buy with confidence.
Sourcing Service
If you’re seeking a specific edition but can’t find it, Lougher’s sourcing team can help track down the right piece and present it through private sale or auction consignment.
Lougher frequently features both limited-edition prints and original works by David Hockney. We have a diverse selection including his iPad drawings and Paper Pool works.
As a UK-based specialist, Lougher provides expert guidance, covering provenance, edition size, condition, framing, insurance, and market value, making it easier for collectors and investors to buy with confidence.
If you’re seeking a specific edition but can’t find it, Lougher’s sourcing team can help track down the right piece and present it through private sale or auction consignment.
Purchasing through Lougher ensures transparency and collector support every step of the way, from initial enquiry and viewing to acquisition, framing, and follow-up aftercare. Get in touch with the team today for specialist assistance.
David Hockney’s paintings symbolise the upper echelons of contemporary art, routinely selling for £1–5 million, with headline works reaching £20–90 million. Prints offer a compelling, more accessible investment, ranging from £1,000 to over £500,000 depending on rarity. Collectors should prioritise provenance, edition details and condition, and may enjoy viewing his works at leading galleries like Tate Britain or Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Start Collecting David Hockney
