David Hockney, widely regarded as Britain’s best-known artist, died at his home in London earlier this month at the age of 88. His funeral has already taken place, his publicist Erica Bolton confirmed, with only two mourners in attendance: his partner Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima and his great-nephew Richard Hockney, as per his wishes.
Memorial Services Planned for 2025
Bolton announced that a series of memorial services will be held next year, beginning in London in the spring. Further memorials are scheduled in Los Angeles, Paris, and Yorkshire — cities Hockney called home at different times in his life. These events are in accordance with David’s wishes, Bolton said, adding that the details of his funeral were not publicly disclosed to protect the privacy of his loved ones.
Legacy and Donations
It has been confirmed that most of Hockney’s works will be given to foundations and public institutions around the world to preserve his legacy. Over his seven-decade career, Hockney was famous for his vibrant and innovative artworks, including landscapes of his native Yorkshire, sun-drenched paintings of Los Angeles swimming pools, and iPad portraits of friends and family. A defining figure of the pop art movement in the 1960s, he maintained huge popularity throughout his life. In 2018, one of his swimming pool paintings sold for nearly £70 million at auction — a record for a living artist. Some of his best-known works include The Splash, A Bigger Splash, and Portrait Of An Artist (Pool With Two Figures).
Tributes from Royalty and Artists
Following Hockney’s death, King Charles said he and Queen Camilla had been “greatly saddened” to learn of the death of “a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through, and a dear friend and inspiration to so many”. Artist Dame Tracey Emin described him as “a great artist and a wonderful man, who with the power of art changed the perception of Britishness. A proud chain-smoking homosexual, who flew the flag higher than any other British artist.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was saddened to hear of the death of “one of Britain’s most celebrated artists”.
Exhibitions and Future Plans
An exhibition of Hockney’s work is currently taking place until August at Serpentine Galleries in London’s Kensington Gardens. Two exhibitions are due to be held next year to mark what would have been David Hockney’s 90th birthday. Tate Modern will stage a multimedia installation, while Tate Britain will host an exhibition spanning his career.
