The first auction to be devoted to artist David Hockney is expected to rake in more than £500,000.

Bonhams is organising the landmark sale as it says demand for the Bradford-born artist's work is greater than ever.

The auction will include some of his most famous print sets, spanning from 1957 to 1998.

Also going under the hammer, will be a 1982 photo-collage of Hollywood director and writer, Billy Wilder, lighting his cigar - which is set to fetch up to £6,000.

Other controversial works, include a photo collage of nude Hollywood blonde Theresa Russell, likely to collect £40,000.

Head of print Robert Kennan said: "So far we have had a lot of early interest.

"He has produced a lot of material over the decades and has a huge variety - that's why we decided to bring it together.

"There is something wonderfully inquisitive about him and how he depicts the world. It is very celebratory and not angst-ridden. I think he is popular because his images are very accessible and likeable."

Photographs, postcards and signed posters are to feature among 100 lots, ranging from £200 to £200,000.

Included is his opera series, along with more personal representations of his late mother Laura, and friend Henry Geldzahler, who poses languidly with a cigar.

Top lot of the auction in London on October 31 is a colourful pastel study titled A Closer Grand Canyon.

Hockney was born in Bradford in 1937. He was educated at Bradford Grammar School and spent three years at Bradford School of Art.

He then completed a post-graduate degree at the Royal College of Art in London. He moved to California at the end of 1963 and that has since been his main home.

In 2000 he was honoured with the title of Freeman of the City of Bradford.

Cartwright Hall in Bradford will hold its biggest Hockney exhibition next year as part of the Illuminate Five Cities art project.