Exploring Hockney’s London Years and the Art of Love
David Hockney fans, prepare for a rare treat. From 21 May to 18 July 2025, Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert will host In the Mood for Love: Hockney in London, 1960–1963, an exhibition that delves deep into the early career of one of Britain’s most celebrated artists. It’s a rare glimpse into the formative years of Hockney’s artistic evolution—before Los Angeles pools and sun-drenched landscapes became his signature.
This isn’t just another Hockney retrospective. This is a love letter to his early days at the Royal College of Art (RCA) and the bohemian London scene that shaped his work. With 15 paintings and related works on paper, many of which haven’t been seen together since the 1960s, the exhibition highlights the bold, unapologetic way Hockney explored love, identity, and self-expression during a time when being openly gay in Britain was still illegal.
Hockney’s Love Series and Early Influences
Before Hockney became synonymous with California’s blue pools, he was a young artist in London, captivated by Picasso, Pollock, and European modernism. At RCA, he started experimenting with abstract forms and personal themes, leading to his groundbreaking Love series. Works like The First Love Painting (1960) and Love Painting – Shame (1960) embody the emotional intensity of self-discovery.
These early works weren’t just about aesthetics; they were acts of defiance. At a time when homosexuality was criminalised, Hockney’s art subtly but powerfully asserted queer identity. Literary influences, especially from Walt Whitman and Constantine P. Cavafy, seeped into his canvases, merging poetry with paint in ways that still feel radical today.
Figures, Friends, and Lovers in Hockney’s Art
As the Love series evolved, so did Hockney’s approach to storytelling. Figures began to populate his compositions, making his work even more intimate.
One standout piece in the exhibition is The Cha Cha that was Danced in the Early Hours of 24th March 1961 (1961), which captures Hockney’s first crush, Peter Crutch. It’s a portrait not just of a person but of an era—an underground world of hidden relationships, whispered desires, and fleeting moments of freedom.
Another highlight is Life Painting for Myself (1962), a deeply personal work featuring his close friend and lover, Mo McDermott. Then there’s The Salesman (1963), a striking depiction of John Kasmin, Hockney’s first art dealer, whose support helped propel him to international fame.
And for those who love a bit of art world history, Two Friends [in a Cul de Sac] (1963) makes a rare appearance, offering an unfiltered glimpse into Hockney’s exploration of sexuality, friendship, and life in 1960s London.
Hockney’s London: The Birth of an Icon
Hockney’s years at RCA were pivotal. London in the early ‘60s was on the cusp of the Swinging Sixties, yet still rigidly conservative in many ways. The art world was buzzing with new movements, but the fight for self-expression, especially for LGBTQ+ artists, was far from over.
This exhibition captures that moment of transition—not just in Hockney’s career but in British culture as a whole. It’s a time capsule of youthful rebellion, artistic discovery, and fearless creativity.
Curated with a Personal Touch
The exhibition is curated by Louis Kasmin, grandson of John Kasmin, Hockney’s first art dealer. This personal connection adds an extra layer of insight, as does the fully illustrated catalogue featuring an essay by art historian Marco Livingstone. Expect fresh perspectives, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and a deep dive into what made these years so transformative for Hockney.
If you think you know Hockney, think again. This isn’t the sun-soaked California aesthetic many associate with his name. This is Hockney before the fame, before the global exhibitions, before the Royal Academy blockbusters. It’s raw, experimental, and deeply personal.
For lovers of contemporary art, LGBTQ+ history, and boundary-pushing creativity, In the Mood for Love is an unmissable exhibition. London’s art scene is about to get a little more intimate, and we’re here for it.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert
📅 21 May – 18 July 2025
📍 38 Bury Street, St James’s, London, SW1Y 6BB
🌐 www.hazlitthollandhibbert.com
