Celia

The British textile and fashion designer Celia Birtwell has been a close friend and confidante of Hockney’s since the 1960s. Sharing northern roots and a similar sense of humor, the two found they had much in common from their first meeting and together they were at the heart of bohemian London. Hockney has always been fascinated by the changing nature of Celia’s face and she remains, to this day, one of his favorite models.

Although Celia is often described as Hockney’s “muse,” their relationship is more than that. They have always admired each other’s work and her sittings for him have been collaborations, as well as an opportunity to enjoy one another’s company. In his portraits of Celia, Hockney has always paid close attention to her bold and romantic fabric designs, some of which are inspired by his work

Artwork: © David Hockney

Celia, 1970

David Hockney
Celia, 1970
Pencil and colored crayon on paper
Private collection
© David Hockney, © Julie Green
Photography by Hugh Kelly

Celia, Carennac, August 1971

David Hockney
Celia, Carennac, August 1971, 1971
Colored pencil on paper
The David Hockney Foundation
© David Hockney
Photography by Richard Schmidt

Celia, Nov 10 1972

David Hockney
Celia, Nov 10 1972, 1972
Crayon on paper
Private collection
© David Hockney

Celia, 1973

David Hockney
Celia, 1973
Lithograph
The David Hockney Foundation
© David Hockney / Gemini G.E.L.
Photography by Richard Schmidt

Celia, 8365 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood

David Hockney
Celia, 8365 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, 1973
Lithograph
The David Hockney Foundation
© David Hockney / Gemini G.E.L.
Photography by Richard Schmidt

Celia Seated in an Office Chair (Color

David Hockney
Celia Seated in an Office Chair (Color), 1974
Etching and soft-ground etching with aquatint
Collection of Gregory Evans
The David Hockney Foundation
© David Hockney
Photography by Richard Schmidt