The personal and professional lives of Henry Geldzahler, David Hockney and Ashton Hawkins were linked through their friendships with one another and their professional relationships with the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Geldzahler joined the Met in 1960 as a curator in the American Paintings Department, and later became the first head of the museum’s Contemporary Art Department, placing him in the heart of the cultural life of New York City. Among the artists championed and befriended by Geldzahler was David Hockney. Geldzahler and Ashton Hawkins were friends and worked closely together at the Met where Hawkins worked as Secretary to the Board of Trustees and then Counsel.
Geldzahler introduced Hockney to Hawkins in 1968 while Hockney was visiting New York and staying at Geldzahler’s apartment on West 9th Street. Hawkins and Hockney became good friends, and the three men spent much time together as friends and colleagues in New York and Los Angeles.
Hawkins often traveled to Los Angeles for work and would visit David Hockney at his homes on Mulholland Drive and in Malibu. Hawkins recounts one of these visits:
Hockney was delighted to show off his latest work—perhaps a beautiful set for an opera, portraits of pet dogs or a grand and enormous painting which was gradually taking over a vast wall in his studio. His fascination with what he was creating coupled with his great enthusiasm were impossible to resist—and still are!
A delightful journey I had with David in his car will never be forgotten. Hockney had mapped out several twisty roads in a hilly park not far from his Malibu house on the water. He had carefully chosen three beautiful arias from an opera to precisely synchronize the music with the twists and turns in the road. Our forty minute drive that afternoon was the most magical drive of my life!
Works of art reflecting the friendships between Geldzahler, Hockney and Hawkins will be offered in the Fine September 27th Auction, Classicism to Contemporary: The Collection of Ashton Hawkins and Johnnie Moore, including The Geldzahler Portfolio, prints and posters by Hockney, and photographs and Polaroid transfers of Henry Geldzahler.