Rare and Exclusive

David Hockney, Pool Made with Paper and Blue Ink for Book, 1980

Sale price£55,000
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Why Did David Hockney Paint Swimming Pools?

David Hockney’s fascination with swimming pools began in the 1960s after moving to Los Angeles. Captivated by the way water reflects light and motion, Hockney found pools to be a visual and emotional symbol of modern life, luxury, and freedom. His pool paintings and prints have since become some of the most recognisable and desirable contemporary artworks.

This 1980 work, Pool Made with Paper and Blue Ink for Book, stands out for its delicate lines and minimalist fluidity. The piece was created during a pivotal period of Hockney’s career, echoing his continued fascination with water’s translucency and the California lifestyle.

David Hockney record breaking swimming pool california painting Man standing by a pool with a scenic landscape in the background

Why did David Hockney paint swimming pools?

Hockney was inspired by his move to California in the 1960s, where swimming pools symbolised openness, modernity, and beauty. He was drawn to the technical challenge of depicting the movement and light within water.

How many David Hockney swimming pool prints exist?

Hockney has created dozens of swimming pool-themed works, but prints like this 1980 piece are limited in number and highly sought after.

Is this a good investment?

David Hockney's pool works are iconic. They continue to appreciate in value and enjoy global recognition, making them excellent long-term investments.

Market Insights

David Hockney’s swimming pool paintings and prints consistently command high prices at auction. In 2018, Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) sold for £70 million, making Hockney the most expensive living artist at the time.

This makes works like Pool Made with Paper and Blue Ink for Book especially valuable for collectors. Comparable pieces have fetched £25,000–£55,000 at Phillips, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s.

Investment Note: With sustained international demand, especially from UK and EU collectors, owning a Hockney pool print remains a strong blue-chip opportunity. Discover more in our Hockney investment guide here.

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