Tyler Dining Room
Signed Print

A large dining table dominates the room. Surrounded by nine chairs it is topped with just seven place settings; the diners are nowhere to be seen. A vase of flowers sits in the middle complementing an elaborate painting or mural on the wall to the left. The other walls are rendered in a soft crayon-like pink which contrasts with the blue of the carpet and chandelier. A side table holds an elegant still life of a vase and bowl. The perspective is almost that of looking into a fishbowl as the room appears to curve into itself, making it feel cramped and yet inviting with its bright colours. The guests could arrive at any moment and the viewer feels like they have stolen a quick glance through the keyhole before a dinner scene plays out. The title suggests this might be the dining room of Kenneth Tyler who worked closely with Hockney to produce the series this work belongs to, Moving Focus, and many more during Hockney's time in the US. While Hockney could work from his own studio with the help of an assistant to produce etchings, lithography required a dedicated space and the presence of master printers such as Tyler.