David Hockney's Paper Pools Series: 1978

Although David Hockney's Paper Pools are often discussed alongside his original works, some compositions exist as unique variants. Individual works are identified by letters, such as Paper Pool 3-L, with auction catalogues frequently referencing "another example illustrated" or "another example exhibited" when a different variant of the same composition has appeared in a publication or exhibition. While each variant shares the same overall design, the handmade paper pulp process means no two examples are exactly alike, making every Paper Pool work a unique original within a recognised group of related variants.

The Paper Pools were created using an innovative handmade papermaking process in which coloured paper pulp, rather than ink, became the primary artistic medium. Hockney began by producing full-scale drawings, which were used to create metal moulds outlining each composition. Layers of dyed paper pulp were then carefully poured, shaped and pressed by hand onto newly formed sheets of paper, allowing colours to blend and overlap while the paper was still wet. This highly collaborative process gave Hockney exceptional freedom to experiment with colour, texture and form, resulting in richly textured works that possess both the depth of a painting and the craftsmanship of fine printmaking.