The legendary artist gave the uncommon ceramic mannequin to Peter Richards and his spouse after they supplied him and pal Norman Stevens sanctuary from a heavy storm in 1955. The couple owned a cottage alongside the A1 in Bedfordshire, and on a wet Sunday afternoon, they noticed two young males sheltering beneath their eaves.
They gave the lads refuge whereas making them tea and drying their soaked garments. Later, they discovered that they have been two college students, David Hockney and Norman Stevens, from Bradford College of Art, who have been hitchhiking to London to go to exhibitions. Hockney went on to take care of a long-lasting friendship with the Richards.
He later gifted them the ceramic black and white cat, which appeared much like their pet moggy on the time, as a reward for his or her kindness on that moist afternoon.
The sculpture – which it is believed might be Hockney’s first ceramic creation – is one among six cats produced by the artist in 1955 while nonetheless at artwork faculty It measures 34.5cm by 40cm by 15.5cm and demonstrates his unbelievable ability with three-dimensional kinds.
The piece additionally comes with drawings and plans for the merchandise, together with letters and playing cards despatched to the Richards by the artist over the years. Hockney has lengthy had a fascination with cats, and so they have been a big motif in a few of his main works. But this ceramic cat is black and white and has a special colouring in comparison with the opposite 5 in existence.
Peter Richards, of Thorpe Bay, Essex, is now in his 90s and has determined to promote the cat to learn the younger members of his household.
Other ceramic cats which have come to market have fetched £40,000 at Bonhams in 2011, and one other garnered £94,000 at Christie’s in June. Stacey’s Auctioneers & Valuers, who’re placing the merchandise on sale, consider it may command a better worth because of its rarity.
The cat and different objects could be considered at The Grosvenor Gallery between October 9 and 13 to coincide with Frieze Masters London. They may also be on view at Stacey’s Auction Room, Chelmsford, Essex, on October 21 and 22. The sale can be held on October 23.
