David Hockney’s collection of 17 iPad drawings, titled “The Arrival of Spring,” sold for an impressive £6.2 million at Sotheby’s London, more than doubling pre-sale estimates and establishing new records for the artist’s prints. The auction, held on October 17, 2025, during Frieze Week, demonstrated robust global demand for Hockney’s innovative digital artworks.
The sale saw all 17 lots find buyers in a white-glove event, with the total far exceeding the high estimate of approximately £3 million. Intense bidding drove prices up, with the record for a Hockney print broken three times. The standout piece, “The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire in 2011 – 19 February,” achieved £762,000 ($1 million), setting a new benchmark. According to Sotheby’s, 40 percent of the drawings were purchased by American collectors, and 65 percent of sales were conducted online, highlighting the digital nature of the transaction.
Hockney, who is 88, created these works in 2011 after moving from Beverly Hills to Bridlington. Initially intending to paint outdoors, he found the winter conditions challenging and instead used his iPad to capture the evolving landscape of Woldgate. This method allowed him to produce 94 drawings that spring, which were later refined to 51, with the auctioned 17 representing the cream of the crop. The series was first presented to the public in his 2012 retrospective at the Royal Academy of Arts, where it was praised for its freshness and technological innovation.
The Yorkshire Wolds, where these scenes are set, have long been a muse for Hockney, often referred to as “Hockney Country.” His deep connection to the area stems from childhood summers and later visits to family and friends. The digital drawings depict the arrival of spring, capturing subtle changes in light and foliage with a precision that traditional mediums might not allow, reflecting his enduring fascination with nature and place.
Market analysts note that this sale underscores a growing appreciation for digital art within the auction world. Yessica Marks, head of prints for Sotheby’s Europe, stated that the results confirm Hockney’s enduring appeal and the global interest in his work. The success contributed to Sotheby’s strong performance, with modern and contemporary art sales totaling £240 million over the past six months, signaling a healthy art market despite economic uncertainties.
This event not only sets new price records but also validates the commercial viability of art created on digital devices. As technology continues to influence artistic practices, Hockney’s iPad drawings serve as a pioneering example of how artists can blend traditional subjects with modern tools. The sale may encourage other artists to explore digital mediums and could lead to increased collector interest in similar works, potentially reshaping future art valuations.
In conclusion, the auction marks a significant moment in the art market, highlighting Hockney’s ability to adapt and innovate throughout his career. His legacy as a boundary-pushing artist is reinforced by this sale, which bridges the gap between analog and digital art. As the art world evolves, this achievement may inspire further exploration of technology in creative expression, ensuring Hockney’s influence endures for generations to come.