David Hockney at L’Arbois — A Limited Edition Portfolio
Edition 4 of 10 — Only six portfolios remain
Ten silver gelatin prints by Chris Smith, capturing David Hockney at work in his studio near Sainte-Maxime, spring 1968. Each print is hand-crafted in the traditional darkroom, signed and numbered.
Price on application | Worldwide insured shipping
David Hockney at L’Arbois, 1968
Photographs by Chris Smith
In March 1968, Chris Smith photographed David Hockney over several days at L’Arbois, the artist’s studio near Sainte-Maxime in the south of France. Hockney was then working between London, Los Angeles and the Riviera, producing some of the most significant paintings of his career. These images record the artist unguarded — painting, arranging canvases, and moving through the studio with characteristic intensity.
Edition & Signature
Limited edition of 10 portfolios worldwide. Currently on edition 4; six remain available. Each print is individually signed and numbered by Chris Smith in pencil on the recto. A signed certificate of authenticity accompanies every portfolio.
Materials & Process
Silver gelatin prints, hand-printed using traditional darkroom processes on fibre-based photographic paper. This method produces exceptional tonal range and archival permanence far exceeding digital alternatives. Each print undergoes selenium toning for longevity and richness of blacks.
Size
10 prints, each A3 (420 × 297 mm / 16.5 × 11.7 in).
Packaging & Presentation
Prints are presented in a custom portfolio case. For shipping, each portfolio is wrapped in acid-free tissue, enclosed in protective board, and dispatched in a reinforced art shipping carton with full insurance.
The Photographer
Chris Smith began his career at the Observer in 1970 and spent over thirty years at The Sunday Times. Four-time Sports Photographer of the Year and twice winner of the Individual Sports Picture of the Year, he is best known for his iconic photographs of Muhammad Ali. His Hockney portraits represent a rare and personal body of work from one of Britain’s most accomplished photographic careers.
Provenance
Printed under the direct supervision of Chris Smith from original negatives. Smith’s photographs of Muhammad Ali are held in private collections internationally and have been exhibited and published widely. The Hockney studio series has not previously been offered as a collected edition.
Reserve Your Edition
Each portfolio is prepared to order. To discuss this collection, request pricing, or arrange a private viewing, please complete the form below. We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.