David Hockney's 'English Garden' Could Net Its Consignor a 700 Percent Return | Artnet News
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by Vivienne ChowMarch 3, 2026
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David Hockney’s iconic 1965 painting *English Garden* is set to make history at Sotheby’s London auction, where it carries an estimated value of £2.5–£3.5 million ($3.4 million to $4.7 million). This represents a staggering 700% return on investment for its consignor, who originally purchased the work for just £89,500 ($149,116) at Sotheby’s in 1997. The painting, which has been in private collection since 1997, is a landmark piece in Hockney’s career and a key example of his early exploration into landscape art.
*English Garden* was created during Hockney’s brief teaching stint at the University of Colorado, Boulder, shortly after he left the Royal College of Art in London. The work marks a significant turning point in the artist’s development, as it showcases his signature techniques—such as flattened space and a balance between observation and artifice—that would later define his celebrated series of California swimming pools and Yorkshire landscapes. Ottilie Windsor, head of contemporary art at Sotheby’s London, describes the painting as a “real turning point” in Hockney’s career, with its innovative use of perspective and color setting the stage for his future masterpieces.
Originally exhibited at London’s Kasmin Gallery in 1965 and later at the Whitechapel Gallery in 1970, *English Garden* has been absent from public view for over five decades. Its reappearance at auction is a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a foundational piece from one of Britain’s most influential post-war artists. The painting’s estimated value reflects not only its artistic significance but also the growing demand for Hockney’s work in the global art market.
The sale, set to take place on March 4 as part of Sotheby’s Modern and contemporary art evening auction, underscores the enduring appeal of Hockney’s early works. Currently aged 88, the artist continues to enjoy international acclaim, with recent highlights including a major retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris and an upcoming exhibition of new works at London’s Serpentine Gallery. The resale of *English Garden* serves as a testament to the long-term value of acquiring art by established masters, offering collectors both a financial return and a piece of art history.
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Originally published on Artnet News on 3/3/2026