A SELECTION of artist David Hockney's early work has gone on display in his native Bradford.

The 'Looking is a Very Positive Act: David Hockney' exhibition opened at Cartwright Hall and Art Gallery on Saturday and offers an insight into his formative years.

The free exhibition, featuring more than 80 pieces, gives a unique collection of early Hockney from his time at Bradford College of Art between 1953 and 1957.

The exhibition, which will run until February 22 next year hopes to give art lovers an introduction into the early work of who many regard as Britain's greatest living artist.

It features a mix of paintings, drawings, printmaking, photographs and etchings on display.

Another of the pictures included is the 'self-portrait' collage on newsprint, from 1954 that shows Hockney before he moved to London to study at the Royal College of Art from 1959 to 1962.

The collection of locations around Bradford are recorded on canvas from the 1950s, including Bolton Junction from 1957, a fish and chip shop in Eccleshill, Moorside Road, Fagley from 1956 and a Bradford Co-Operative shop.

Hockney, now 77, who gained a scholarship to Bradford Grammar School, also has a nod to Hollywood with an etching of posters printed on paper.

These include 'The Hypnotist' featuring a scene between film stars Vincent Price and Peter Lorre from the 1963 horror comedy movie 'The Raven'.

Visitors travelled from further afield than Bradford to see the opening day of the exhibition and gave it their approval.

Lucy Eckford, of Newcastle, said: "When I came to Cartwright Hall today I was pleasantly surprised this exhibition was on.

"I'm a fan of work. It's great that he has printed works as well as photographs here."

John Appleby, of Cumbria, said: "I think it's interesting, particularly Hockney's early work living in Bradford.

"It's astonishingly precocious and impressive for someone who is still in his teens to do such work.

"It gives a good impression of life living in the city in the 1950s."

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council's executive member for culture, said: "It will be fascinating for people to see where David Hockney's first works were produced and influenced - right here in Bradford."

Free events connected to the exhibition include a talk by Christopher Simon Sykes, author of 'Hockney: The Biography Volume 2' on Sunday, November 23, from 2pm to 3.30pm. Curator Jill Iredale will give a free tour of the exhibition on Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 2pm to 2.45pm.

To book a place at either event, call 01274 431212 or email cartwright.hall@bradford.gov.uk.

The exhibition is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 4pm.