David HOCKNEY Olympic Poster - Signed Proof, before Text or Logo  (1970)

The hugely rare original proof lithograph on fine wove paper before either text or logo was added for the poster for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Created before the pencil signed edition of 200, we aren't sure how many of these proofs were printed, but most likely very few. Boldly signed in pencil David Hockney lower right, dated 1970, and clearly annotated Artist's Proof lower left. The poster published by Editions Olympia, Munich. Literature: Baggott, Brian Hockney Posters London: Pavillion Books Ltd, (1987), p25. Baggott, Brian David Hockney: Poster Art San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1995, p34. Frame size: 106cm x 80cm.

Condition: has original proof marks to sheet top and corners. Occasional, tiny stray ink marks as you'd expect from a working proof. The sheet is laid to a stable backing board, and has light, even overall discolouration and a small stain (perhaps from Hockney's cup of tea :) lower middle sheet edge (see photos opposite). The colours are possibly slightly attenuated and certainly more subtle than those of the later offset lithographic posters which are generally more 'popping' than the artist's lithographs. Float framed with conservation standard materials and anti-reflective glass and ready to hang.

This familiar image of a male diver entering a typically Hockney-esque swimming pool is the holy grail of large, signed, immediately recognisable David Hockney pool prints. Even better in the flesh than it is on the screen, it can't fail to be a topic of conversation in your home or office.