David Hockney’s signatures, edition numbers and proof designations are important details when researching an original print. Many Hockney prints were hand-signed, dated and numbered by the artist, while others were issued as artist’s proofs, printer’s proofs, studio proofs or other impressions outside the standard numbered edition.
These markings can help identify a particular edition, but they should never be considered independently. The signature and numbering should correspond with the documented characteristics of the work, including its medium, paper, dimensions, printer or publisher and recognized catalogue references.
Expert review: by Robert Ubillus Adelman, Owner & Director of Masterworks Fine Art, with decades of experience buying, selling, and evaluating original modern and contemporary prints.
David Hockney Signature & Edition Marks at a Glance
| Mark | Meaning | What It Tells You |
|---|---|---|
| 26/70 | Numbered edition | Impression 26 from a regular edition of 70 |
| AP / A.P. | Artist’s Proof | An impression outside the numbered edition, generally reserved for the artist |
| PP / P.P. | Printer’s Proof | An impression reserved for the printer or workshop involved in producing the edition |
| BAT / B.A.T. | Bon à tirer | The approved “good-to-print” proof used as the standard for printing the edition |
| RTP | Right to Print | Gemini G.E.L. terminology for the approved proof establishing the visual and technical standard for the edition |
| TP | Trial Proof | A proof that differs from the final edition in imagery, printing sequence, elements, or other production details |
| CTP | Color Trial Proof | A trial proof used to test color, color sequence, or related printing variations |
| SP / S.P. | Special Proof | A proof outside the regular edition; its exact purpose should be confirmed in the documentation for the specific work |
1. How Did David Hockney Sign His Prints?
Many original David Hockney prints were signed by the artist in pencil, although the color and placement of the signature can vary by edition.
Hockney frequently signed and dated his prints in the lower margin or another documented location. Some examples also include a title, proof designation or edition number alongside the signature.
Collectors should not judge authenticity simply by comparing the appearance of one Hockney signature with another. Signatures naturally vary over time, and Hockney also signed works using different pencils, crayons and inks depending on the edition.
The more important question is whether the signature, date and location correspond with documented examples of the specific print.
2. Understanding David Hockney Edition Numbers
Many Hockney prints were produced in limited numbered editions.
A print marked:
26/70
means that the impression is number 26 from a numbered edition of 70.
The number before the slash identifies the individual impression, while the number after the slash indicates the size of the standard numbered edition.
A lower edition number does not automatically make a Hockney print more valuable. An impression numbered 5/100 is not inherently more desirable than one numbered 75/100 simply because its number is lower.
Proof editions may instead use Roman numerals; for example, VII/XII identifies the seventh impression from a group of twelve proofs.
The importance of the image, rarity, condition, provenance, series and collector demand generally have a greater influence on value.
3. David Hockney Artist’s Proofs: AP
Collectors frequently encounter Hockney prints marked AP, meaning Artist’s Proof.
Artist’s proofs are impressions issued outside the standard numbered edition. Depending on the work, they may be numbered separately or simply annotated AP.
For example, Hockney’s The Wave, A Lithograph was issued in a standard edition of 50 with additional artist’s proofs. Phillips has catalogued an impression marked A.P. VII/XII, identifying it as the seventh of twelve artist’s proofs.
Artist’s proofs are legitimate parts of an edition when they correspond with the documented proof structure. Their value should still be considered in relation to the specific image, rarity, condition and market demand.
4. David Hockney Printer’s Proofs: PP
PP usually indicates a Printer’s Proof.
Printer’s proofs were generally reserved for the printer or workshop involved in producing the edition and exist outside the standard numbered edition.
Hockney’s Views of Hotel Well II from the Moving Focus series provides a useful example. Phillips has catalogued an impression marked P.P. 1, one of two printer’s proofs, in addition to the regular edition of 75 and fourteen artist’s proofs.
Because the number and format of printer’s proofs vary by edition, collectors should confirm that the PP designation matches the documented proof structure of the specific print.
5. David Hockney BAT Proofs: Bon à Tirer
BAT, B.A.T. or BaT stands for bon à tirer, French for “good to print.” A bon à tirer is an approved proof used as the standard against which the regular edition is printed.
These impressions are normally outside the numbered edition and can be exceptionally scarce. Hockney prints documented with BAT markings include works published by Petersburg Press, Pace Editions and other workshops.
As with any proof designation, a BAT marking should correspond with the documented edition history rather than being evaluated in isolation.
6. Special Proofs, Trial Proofs & Other Hockney Proof Designations
Hockney prints may carry proof markings beyond AP and PP. The meaning of these designations should always be confirmed against documentation for the specific edition and workshop.
For Gemini G.E.L. editions, S.P. identifies a Special Proof rather than a Studio Proof. Gemini also used designations including RTP (Right to Print), TP (Trial Proof), and CTP (Color Trial Proof). These proofs fall outside the regular numbered edition and can differ substantially in purpose, rarity, and appearance.
For example, the National Gallery of Art records Hockney’s Pushing Up (1993) as S.P. 1/4, one of four Special Proofs, while Warm Start is documented as S.P. I/X.
7. David Hockney Blindstamps, Printer Marks & Publisher Marks
Hockney worked with several major print workshops and publishers throughout his career, including:
- Gemini G.E.L.
- Tyler Graphics
- Petersburg Press
- Editions Alecto
- Pace Editions
Depending on the edition, a Hockney print may contain:
- Printer’s blindstamps
- Publisher’s blindstamps
- Ink stamps
- Workshop numbers
- Portfolio information
- Publisher records
- Marks on the reverse
The National Gallery of Art, for example, documents The Master Printer of Los Angeles with a Gemini G.E.L. embossed mark and a Gemini ink stamp on the reverse, together with Hockney’s inscriptions and catalogue references.
A workshop mark is valuable supporting evidence, but it should never be treated as independent proof of authenticity.
8. Signed vs. Unsigned David Hockney Prints
Many of Hockney’s important limited-edition prints were hand-signed and numbered, but signing practices vary by edition.
Collectors should determine whether the specific edition is documented as signed, unsigned or issued with a particular proof designation rather than assuming all authentic Hockney prints follow the same format.
A signature alone does not establish authenticity.
9. Does a David Hockney Signature Prove Authenticity?
No. A signature is only one part of researching a David Hockney print. The work should also correspond with the documented medium, paper, dimensions, edition structure, printer or publisher, workshop markings, provenance and catalogue references.
Learn more: How to Authenticate a David Hockney Print →
10. Catalogue References and Edition Documentation
Recognized print references help confirm details such as title, date, medium, dimensions, edition size, printer and publisher.
Important references include David Hockney Prints 1954–77 and David Hockney Prints 1954–1995, along with workshop documentation from publishers such as Gemini G.E.L. and Tyler Graphics.
Learn more: David Hockney Catalogue Raisonné & Print References →
What to Check on a Signed David Hockney Print
When examining a signed or numbered David Hockney print, confirm that:
- The title and date are correctly identified.
- The medium corresponds with the documented edition.
- The paper and dimensions are correct.
- The signature and date appear where expected.
- The edition number or proof designation is documented.
- The printer and publisher correspond with the edition.
- Blindstamps or workshop marks are consistent with known examples.
- Provenance and supporting documentation are available when possible.
- The appropriate catalogue references correspond with the work.
No single characteristic should be relied upon independently.
Buying a Signed David Hockney Print
Before purchasing a signed David Hockney print, collectors should identify the exact work and confirm that its signature, edition information, paper, dimensions, printer or publisher and catalogue references correspond with the documented edition.
Masterworks Fine Art specializes in original David Hockney prints, including signed and numbered editions and proofs, and carefully researches the works it offers.
Explore David Hockney Prints for Sale →
Frequently Asked Questions About David Hockney Signatures and Edition Numbers
Did David Hockney sign his prints?
Yes. Many original David Hockney limited-edition prints were hand-signed and often dated and numbered by the artist. However, the location, writing medium and edition format vary by work, so the signature should be compared with documented examples of the specific edition.
What does AP mean on a David Hockney print?
AP means Artist’s Proof. Artist’s proofs are impressions produced outside the regular numbered edition. They may be marked simply AP or numbered separately, sometimes using Roman numerals, depending on the edition.
What does PP mean on a David Hockney print?
PP usually means Printer’s Proof. These impressions were produced outside the standard numbered edition and generally reserved for the printer or workshop involved in creating the edition. The number of printer’s proofs varies by work.
What does BAT mean on a David Hockney print?
BAT stands for bon à tirer, meaning “good to print.” It identifies the approved proof used by the printer as the standard for producing the edition. A BAT proof is typically outside the regular numbered edition and can be an important part of the documented proof structure of a Hockney print.
Does a lower edition number make a Hockney print more valuable?
Not necessarily. A print numbered 5/100 is not automatically worth more than one numbered 75/100. The image, rarity, condition, provenance, edition structure and collector demand generally have a greater influence on value than the individual number within a standard edition.
Are David Hockney artist’s proofs more valuable than numbered prints?
Not automatically. Artist’s proofs are often scarcer than impressions from the standard numbered edition, which can make them attractive to collectors, but value depends primarily on the specific image, rarity, condition, provenance, series, and market demand. The documented proof structure of the particular edition should always be confirmed.
Does a David Hockney signature prove the print is authentic?
No. A signature should be evaluated together with the print’s medium, paper, dimensions, edition information, printer or publisher, workshop markings, provenance and recognized catalogue references.
Learn more: How to Authenticate a David Hockney Print →
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