So when the fibre is drawn the researchers apply a powerful electric field to ensure that the molecules in the plastic all line up in the same direction as the fibre cools.

Instead of optical fibre, HP is using waveguides-small strips of plastic with grooves on their highly reflective metallic walls.

The paintings, now made of glass fibre and reinforced plastic, are six meters (20 feet) high and 4.6 meters (15 feet) wide, and weigh up to 1.5 tons.