A new exhibition of works from the early stage of David Hockney’s career, bringing together items that have rarely been seen in public, is to open in Bradford next month.

David Hockney: The Early Years will include the large oil painting A View of Bradford from Earl’s Court and works on paper from his time studying at Bradford School of Art.

The Bradford-born artist’s work will be displayed at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, in Lister Park, from Sunday, December 16, until Sunday, April 14.

The exhibition at the Bradford Council-run venue will also feature a small number of oils in his distinctive early style that have never been shown together before.

There will also be etchings from two of his four major series of prints – A Rake’s Progress and Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm.

Local residents and Bradford Grammar School have also lent a selection of memorabilia including a Christmas card, photographs and a copy of the Bradfordian magazine that Hockney illustrated.

Also being shown is a film made in July of students from Bradford Grammar School meeting Hockney at his studio in Bridlington.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the Council’s executive member responsible for culture, said: “David Hockney is an exceptional artist and this exhibition shows how evident this was, even at an early age. The memorabilia from Bradford is fascinating and gives the show a truly local flavour.”

David Hockney was born in Bradford in 1937 and won a scholarship to attend Bradford Grammar School. He then studied at Bradford School of Art before completing a postgraduate qualification at the Royal College of Art in London.

Earlier this year a major show of his new large-scale works – including a loan from Bradford Museums and Galleries – was brought to the Royal Academy, London, and the Guggenheim, Bilbao.

Alongside the exhibition there will be a series of informal tours of the artworks and a general introduction to David Hockney. The free drop-in events will be held between 2pm and 2.30pm on January 16, February 14 and March 14.

In addition, Christopher Sykes, author of Hockney: The Biography, will give a talk about the artist’s work on Sunday, February 10, between 2pm and 3pm. The event is free, but it is necessary to book a place in advance by contacting (01274) 431212.

There will also be a film screening of Bruno Wollheim’s acclaimed film David Hockney: A Bigger Picture on Sunday, March 10, between 2pm and 3 pm.

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery is located in Lister Park. Entry is free and it is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 4pm.