In 1979, British artist David Hockney partnered with printmakers Gemini G.E.L. on a series of lithographs of his good friend and muse Celia Birtwell. Birtwell was a textile designer and was the wife of Ossie Clark, an established fashion designer in London during the 1960s and 1970s. Hockney is quoted as saying, “Celia is one of the few girls I know really well. I don’t bother getting the likeness in her face because I know it so well. She has many faces and I think if you looked through all the drawings I’ve done of her, you’d see that they don’t look alike.” 

In comparing this work with “Celia - Weary”, this print illustrates this sentiment. The variation he captured is quite remarkable, as he conveys her expression with so few strokes.  This work and others like it, are a symbol of friendship at its finest, one that has lasted over half a century, and continues to this day.

Working at home the artist used large brushes and liquid washes in varying intensities to paint on aluminium plates. There were 5 images made for printed editions reflecting Celia’s moods and attitudes: Celia Musing, Celia Weary, Celia Amused, Celia Inquiring and Celia Elegant..