Hockney’s Swimming Pool Prints Average £74K With 32% Growth
Lithograph Of Water Made Of Thick And Thin Lines And Two Light Blue Washes © David Hockney 1980
David Hockney
651 works
David Hockney’s Swimming Pools are among the most recognisable and sought-after works in his print oeuvre. Evoking the sunlit stillness and stylised glamour of mid-century California, the prints feature angular compositions, modernist architecture, and shimmering water – a recurring motif in Hockney’s practice.
These scenes of leisure and voyeurism, often framed by glass panes or depicted from elevated perspectives, have become cultural shorthand for the artist’s visual language.
Investment Overview: A Selective but Stable Market
In 2025, the market for Hockney’s swimming pool prints remains active, though more selective. Following a period of record-setting results between 2021 and 2022, average values have softened or levelled in the first half of this year.
Rather than signalling fading demand, this shift reflects a broader recalibration in the Contemporary print market – where buyers are responding to macroeconomic pressures and a growing presence of lower-value works. Even so, recognisable imagery and blue chip names like Hockney continue to anchor confidence and sustain value at the core of the print market.
Lithographic Pools: Liquidity Leaders With 6.9% CAGR
The lithographic pool works – each bearing slight title variations around water, lines, and washes – remain the most frequently traded in the category.
- Average value (2025): £74,400
- Average value (2019): £49,800
- Compound annual growth rate (CAGR): 6.92%
- Projected 5-year value: £69,600
Collectors are drawn to these prints for their fusion of two defining Hockney motifs: the study of water and the exploration of perception through minimal, architectural pool structures. Their enduring appeal is bolstered by the variety of colourways and compositions, offering multiple entry points into one of Hockney’s most iconic subjects.
Afternoon Swimming: 32% CAGR Driven by Scarcity
Afternoon Swimming stands apart within Hockney’s swimming pool prints.
- Most recent public sale (2022): £240,000
- Average value (2019): £104,700
- CAGR (2019–2022): 31.84%
- Projected 5-year value: £417,100
With no further public sales since 2022, these calculations reflect historical performance rather than a guaranteed trajectory. Still, its rarity and subject matter – figures in a pool – align with some of Hockney’s highest-performing works in the originals market, underscoring its investment appeal.
Paper Pools: High Volume, Low Volatility
Pool Made With Paper and Blue Ink for Book is among the most actively traded works in this series, with over 70 recorded sales.
- Average value (2019): £20,400
- Average value (2025): £47,200
- CAGR: 14.95%
- Recent high (Christie’s 2025): £69,300
Its liquidity and dependable sales frequency demonstrate strong collector demand. With a vibrant palette and poolside subject matter, it continues to resonate with buyers drawn to Hockney’s iconic California imagery.
Lower-Value Works: Accessible Growth Opportunities
Lower-value works have also posted meaningful growth:
- My Pool and Terrace rose from £5,000 (2019) to £10,800 (2025), a CAGR of 13.88%.
- Water Pouring Into Swimming Pool, Santa Monica climbed from £12,400 (2020) to £15,000 (2025), a CAGR of 3.81%.
These prints offer accessible entry points into Hockney’s pool canon. Their competitive demand has been reinforced by recent auction results at Phillips, Bonhams, and Christie’s that exceeded high estimates.
What the Market Means for Buyers and Sellers
In today’s market, timing and informed strategy are key. For consignors, liquidity and strong pricing remain achievable, particularly for works with iconic subject matter, limited auction exposure, or standout provenance. Success depends on careful navigation of edition frequency, sale placement, and condition, with expert positioning often making the difference between a strong and an average result.
For buyers, the data reveals multiple strategic entry points. Accessible pool prints provide lower barriers to entry, while rarer compositions such as Afternoon Swimming offer opportunities for long-term growth. Together, these dynamics allow collectors to build portfolios that balance cultural appeal with financial resilience.
Private sales are proving especially valuable in 2025, offering greater control over timing and pricing while helping to connect the right works with the right buyers.
Data & Sources
This report draws on MyArtBroker’s proprietary print market database, which tracks more than 400 auction houses worldwide. All prices are reported in GBP (unless otherwise stated), inclusive of buyer’s fees. Performance figures are based on hammer prices, which also underpin the accompanying graphs.