From Classroom to Canvas | The Story of Hockney's Gift to His Latin Teacher

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The vendor shared the background of their father, Mr I.T. Fisher, who was a Classics teacher at Bradford Grammar School until his retirement in 1973. Mr Fisher also edited the school's magazine, The Bradfordian, a publication that still exists today. Among his pupils was David Hockney, who, despite not being particularly enamoured with Latin, showcased his exceptional artistic talents early on. Hockney left Bradford Grammar School at the age of 16 to pursue his passion at the Bradford School of Art.

The centrepiece of this story is a drawing Hockney gifted to his teacher Mr Fisher. As the vendor recounted, the drawing might have been Hockney's way of compensating for not being the perfect student! Mr Fisher included a photograph of the drawing within the school magazine, where it appeared in the July 1958 issue of The Bradfordian. Hockney later confirmed to a third party that the drawing was created at St Luke's Hospital in Bradford, though the subject remains unknown.

^{▲ David Hockney OM CH RA (b.1937) 'The Patient' signed 'David Hockney' l.r., pen and ink heightened with white 38 x 56cm, unframed (£12,000-18,000)}

The drawing not only reflects the early promise of a now-celebrated artist but also highlights a touching interaction between teacher and student. Such stories enrich the items brought for valuation, adding layers of meaning and connection beyond monetary worth.

It will be sold in Sworders’ Modern and Contemporary Art auction | To include the David and Pam McCleave Collection, on the 1 & 2 October 2024, with an estimate of £12,000-18,000.

Tuesday 1 October | 10am

design@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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