Before the World Knew Hockney: Bradford Gallery Returns to Where It All Began

The David Hockney Gallery at Bradford Council-run Cartwright Hall Art Gallery is set to reopen this October following a major update. Visitors will be able to see early works from the Bradford-born artist’s formative years re-presented alongside later iPad and photographic works.

Reopening to the public on Wednesday 21 October, the gallery will draw on the unique collection cared for by Bradford District Museums & Galleries to explore Hockney’s early development and the beginnings of the artistic voice that would eventually make him famous around the world.

The reopening comes following Hockney’s death on 11 June 2026, aged 88, and will offer an opportunity for his home city to celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy.

New displays and interpretation will give visitors a fresh perspective on some of Hockney’s earliest work and the importance of Bradford in his development as an artist.

Cartwright Hall itself has a special place in Hockney’s story. He visited the gallery as a boy and speaking about his childhood visits, Hockney said: “I used to love going to Cartwright Hall as a kid. It was the only place in Bradford I could see real paintings.”

The dedicated David Hockney Gallery first opened at Cartwright Hall on in 2017, as Bradford marked the artist’s 80th birthday.

More recently, Cartwright Hall played a central role in Bradford's year as UK City of Culture, hosting the Turner Prize and welcoming over 80,000 visitors to one of the district's most significant cultural events.

Before Hockney’s works return to the space, it hosted Neo Fauna, an exhibition by artist and comedian Jim Moir, also known as Vic Reeves, featuring his colourful depictions of birds and other wildlife and attracted over 40,000 visits

The reopening will return the space to its role as the David Hockney Gallery, creating a fitting civic tribute to one of Britain’s greatest cultural figures while celebrating the lasting impact of his work.

Councillor Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: “David Hockney is one of Bradford’s most famous sons and his loss was felt here in his home city and around the world.

“We’re incredibly proud that Bradford Council’s museums and galleries service cares for such an important collection of his work.

“Bringing these works together with Hockney’s own connection to Cartwright Hall gives visitors a special opportunity to see where the story of one of Britain’s greatest artists began.”

The David Hockney Gallery at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, in Lister Park, reopens on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

For more information visit the Bradford District Museums & Galleries website: www.bradfordmuseums.org