A remarkable inscribed and signed association copy from the British painter, draughtsman, printmaker, designer and photographer recognized as one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century. He has inscribed in black ink on the title to his close friend, the American jazz and popular music singer Tony Bennett, "To Tony with much love and admiration / David H. / 8 Dec 04." 368 pp. Hardcover in dj.  Very fine. 9 x 9.5 inches. 

Bennett's painting honoring good friend David Hockney, "Homage to Hockney," is on permanent display at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown and Hockney's 1990 portrait of Bennett was featured in the album artwork for Bennett's Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett (Columbia, 2004).

Tony Bennett began drawing chalk pictures as a child on the sidewalks of his hometown in Astoria, Queens but even when he became one of the premiere entertainers in the world, he found time to paint nearly every day. Painting under his family name of Benedetto, Tony Bennett's work has been exhibited in the galleries throughout the world and the United Nations commissioned his artwork on two occasions, including for their 50th Anniversary. Bennett began formal training as an art student at the School of Industrial Arts (now known as the School of Art and Design) in Manhattan and continued his studies with private studios and teachers throughout the years. A self-proclaimed "museum freak," Bennett was known to visit museums and galleries all over the world, especially during his extensive concert tours and his work as a painter has been featured in many international art publications.