David Hockney visits Nottingham Contemporary

David Hockney had not seen 'A Bigger Splash' for a number of years

The man described as Britain's favourite artist has been in Nottingham to look at an exhibition of his own work.

David Hockney was invited to a private viewing at the newly opened Nottingham Contemporary.

The arts centre is exhibiting the largest collection ever put together of his early work.

He said about Nottingham Contemporary: "It looks very good, very well done... quite impressive, actually."

He added: "It is my first trip to Nottingham. I don't think I've ever been here before."

Many of the paintings on show in the gallery were painted when Hockney was still a student at the Royal College of Art.

He admitted it was nice to see his old work but he was more interested in what he was working on in the present.

David Hockney visits Nottingham to look at an exhibition of his own work

He said: "I don't spend too much time looking back. Not yet anyway."

Britain's favourite

Hockney is also often labelled as Britain's favourite artist, something he is not entirely comfortable with.

He said: "I don't know what it means, really. I live rather quietly, which I wish to do."

Hockney was accompanied by fellow pop artist and friend Sir Peter Blake who was at art college with him.

Sir Peter is remembered best for his design of The Beatles' Sergeant Pepper album.

He said: "I was around when [David] was doing them. At the time I visited his studio and could have bought some of them!"

'A Marriage of Style' - drawings and paintings by David Hockney at Nottingham Contemporary, will run until 24 January 2010.