Issued By West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service

RESEARCHING THE HOCKNEY FAMILY TREE

West Yorkshire Archive Service today (October 24^th) hosted a visit from one of the most famous names in Bradford.  John Hockney, brother of the world famous artist David Hockney, was invited to attend the Bradford Archive office to find out more information about his family for his soon to be published book on the Hockney family.

Mr. Hockney has lived in Australia for many years and has returned to his hometown of Bradford to find out more about his family as research for his book.  Staff at Bradford Archives were able to show Mr. Hockney information from the 1901 census, which traced his family back to Hull.  Also by looking at the electoral register and the register of baptisms, the addresses and other details of many members of his family were found helping Mr. Hockney to fill in many gaps about the history of his family.

Mr. Hockney was delighted to be able to look at the original documents and was impressed with the facilities that were on offer at the Archive Service.

Councillor Graham Clarke, Chairman of West Yorkshire Joint Services said “it is pleasing that West Yorkshire Archive Service was able to offer first hand assistance to Mr Hockney on finding out information about his family.  This proves the value of maintaining and storing these valuable documents and preserving the heritage of West Yorkshire”.

West Yorkshire Archive Service is able to offer advice on tracing your family tree or information on the local history of West Yorkshire.  It is an ideal place to start any research and trained staff are always on hand to offer advice. 

Anybody who is interested in tracing their family tree can view the West Yorkshire Archive website at www.archives.wyjs.org.uk

If anyone who has any information on the Hockney family that may be of interest to John, he can be contacted by e-mail on  jokni@ozemail.com.au

For further information contact

Carol Hallett Education & Promotions Officer: 0113 3836407

Graham Hebblethwaite Media Contact: 0113 2898218

Sylvia Thomas County Archivist: 01924 305979

Notes to Editors

To contact Bradford Archives call : 01274 731931

To contact Calderdale Archives call: 01422 392636

To contact Kirklees Archives call: 01484 221966

To contact Leeds Archives call: 0113 2145814