15th Apr, 2025 10:00
Modern and Contemporary Art
357
▲ David Hockney OM CH RA (b.1937)
'Pool Made With Paper and Blue Ink' for the book 'Paper Pools' (MCA Tokyo 234)
lithograph in colours, 1980, signed and dated 'Hockney 80' in pencil l.r., and numbered '681/1000', published by Tyler Graphics Ltd., Mount Kisco, New York, with blind stamp
sheet 27 x 24cm
When thinking about David Hockney, the subject of the swimming pool is one that comes to mind. It has become one of the defining motifs of his artistic career and an iconic image of modern art. The theme recurs frequently in his paintings, drawings, photographs and prints.
Hockney’s fascination with pools began in 1964 when he flew over Los Angeles and was captivated by the vivid expanse of blue pools dotting the Californian landscape - an image starkly different from the scenery of Britain he had left behind. To Hockney, the swimming pool was a representation of pleasure and leisure in the 1960s, and a joyous image to reproduce. Additionally, it provided a creative opportunity to explore the play of light and reflections on water, shaped by ripples, curves and shadows cast by gentle breezes or the movement of swimmers.
This motif repeatedly surfaced in his work over the years, including the present lithograph titled 'Pool Made With Paper and Blue Ink for a Book'. This piece was created for the special edition book 'Paper Pools' by David Hockney, edited by Nikos Stangos and published in 1980 by Thames & Hudson. The book delves into Hockney’s 'Paper Pool' series, comprising twenty-nine paper pulp artworks that he created in 1978 while staying with his friend, the printmaker Ken Tyler. Inspired by this new medium, Hockney used Tyler’s swimming pool as the subject for this lithograph. He meticulously studied the pool at various times of the day and night, observing and recording the interplay of light and colour, through drawings and photographs.
Though smaller in scale compared to Hockney’s large oil paintings, this lithograph is equally vibrant and demonstrates meticulous precision in its execution. The image was initially hand-drawn by the artist and then printed in six colours from three lithographic limestones and three aluminium plates. This lot is pencil signed and numbered '681' from a limited edition of 1,000 prints with an additional 122 proofs.
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Sold for £26,000
Condition Report
Framed: 58 x 49.5cm
Presents well overall. In our opinion the colours are bright. Slight time staining to the margins. There is some acid discolouration to the extreme edges. There is a little rubbing/ abrasion to the water in the lower centre and along the left edge, please see additional condition images. The print has been stuck down in the corners and it is not possible to see the reverse of the sheet. The print sits flat without any obvious cockling or creasing.
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Auction: Modern and Contemporary Art, 15th Apr, 2025
Viewing
London Viewing | Highlights
A selection of lots will be on view Friday 14 March - Monday 7 April (weekdays only) at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:
Monday-Friday, 11am - 6pm
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Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 11 April, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 13 April, 10am - 1pm
Monday 14 April, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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