David Hockney's "English Garden" Returns to the Spotlight

David Hockney’s 1965 painting, *English Garden*, is being exhibited for the first time in nearly 30 years at Sotheby’s in London, prior to its auction on March 4, 2026. This artwork, which depicts a meticulously designed garden in Oxfordshire, is considered pivotal in Hockney's career and significant in the broader context of art history. Tom Edisson, Sotheby’s co-head of contemporary art in London, described *English Garden* as a "seminal painting" that lays the groundwork for Hockney's future works.

The Guardian

Hockney created *English Garden* while teaching at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he sought inspiration amidst the Rocky Mountains. Despite the stunning surroundings, he worked in a studio devoid of windows, which prompted him to look for artistic inspiration elsewhere. He discovered a photograph in *American Vogue* featuring a topiary garden at Haseley Court, owned by designer Nancy Lancaster, which ultimately influenced his painting. Edisson noted that the work evokes a sense of nostalgia for England's landscapes, suggesting that Hockney's homesickness played a role in its creation.

The Guardian

*English Garden* marks Hockney's first fully realized English landscape, painted during a period when abstract art dominated the scene. Edisson emphasized that this painting is crucial to understanding Hockney's artistic journey, stating it "cements so much of what we know Hockney’s practice is about." The painting was first exhibited at Kasmin Gallery in London in 1965 and last appeared in a public gallery during a 1970 show at the Whitechapel Gallery.

The Guardian

Since then, *English Garden* has remained in private ownership, last appearing at auction in 1997. Hockney, now 88 years old, continues to be active in the art world, with a new exhibition set to open at the Serpentine Gallery in London in March 2026. This follows a major retrospective last year at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, where over 400 of his works were showcased, highlighting his ongoing influence and ambition in contemporary art.

The Guardian

While the excitement surrounding *English Garden* is palpable, some critics may argue that Hockney's later works, particularly those depicting the East Yorkshire landscape, overshadow earlier pieces like this one. However, Edisson contends that *English Garden* serves as the root of Hockney's artistic evolution, reinforcing its importance in understanding his body of work.

The Guardian

• “It is a seminal painting,” — Tom Edisson, Sotheby’s Co-Head of Contemporary Art

The Guardian

• “Edisson said: “You have a pang of nostalgia, maybe a bit of homesickness, looking back at England’s green and pleasant lands …” — Tom Edisson

The Guardian

• “He is constantly challenging himself. He is still at the forefront of contemporary art and this painting [English Garden] is to me the root of everything that came after.” — Tom Edisson

The Guardian

As *English Garden* prepares to enter the auction market, its historical and artistic significance continues to resonate, marking a pivotal moment in both Hockney's career and the evolution of contemporary art.

The Guardian