David Hockney's funeral was a private affair with just two attendees, according to his publicist. The iconic British artist, who died at age 88 on 12 June, had his funeral held in accordance with his final wishes, attended only by his partner, JP, and his great-nephew, Richard.
Publicist Confirms Private Ceremony
Erica Bolton, Hockney's publicist, released a statement saying: "We have been overwhelmed by your tributes which have meant so much to us and we wanted to thank you. As we have already received so many inquiries about David Hockney's funeral arrangements and memorials, we would like to clarify that it was David's clear wish that his funeral should be attended only by his partner, JP, and his great-nephew Richard; and that their privacy would be respected. The funeral has already taken place."
Memorial Services Planned for 2027
Bolton also announced that a memorial service will be held in London in spring 2027, with additional services in Yorkshire, Paris, and Los Angeles. She said: "Also in accordance with David's wishes, we are able to announce that the first memorial service to celebrate David's life and work will be held in London in spring 2027, followed at later dates by memorials in Yorkshire, Paris and Los Angeles."
Legacy and Artworks
The bulk of Hockney's artworks will be gifted to public institutions and galleries around the world "in furtherance of his legacy." Hockney, known as a 'radical working-class' Yorkshire lad, triumphed over the art world during his seven-decade career.
Tributes from Royalty and Celebrities
King Charles expressed that he and the Queen were "greatly saddened" by Hockney's death, calling him "a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through, and a dear friend and inspiration to so many." His Majesty added: "David was one of life's true originals; one who wore his genius as lightly as those beloved yellow Crocs of his that helped brighten Palace occasions. I trust they will see him tread safely into the hereafter as we mourn a man whose irrepressible charm, talent and constant innovation will be most sorely missed, but whose dazzling creativity lives on in galleries and museums around the world."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute, saying he was "saddened" by Hockney's passing and described him as "one of Britain's most celebrated artists." Harry Styles, who sat for a Hockney portrait in 2022, honoured him during a performance at Wembley Stadium on the day of his death, with a screen reading: "What an artist is trying to do for people is bring them closer to something, because of course art is about sharing. You wouldn't be an artist unless you wanted to share an experience."
