The King has said he and Queen Camilla are "greatly saddened" by the death of David Hockney, the celebrated British artist who died peacefully at home on June 11 at the age of 88. Hockney's publicist, Erica Bolton, confirmed the news, noting that the artist passed away peacefully.
Royal Tribute
In a message issued by Buckingham Palace, King Charles said: "My wife and I were greatly saddened to learn of the death of David Hockney, a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through, and a dear friend and inspiration to so many." The King had hosted Hockney on several occasions, including a luncheon in November 2022 for the Order of Merit, where the artist famously wore a suit paired with bright yellow rubber shoes. Charles 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."
Artistic Legacy
David Hockney is remembered as a defining voice in art who reshaped modern art over a career spanning seven decades. His most famous works include The Splash, A Bigger Splash, Portrait Of An Artist (Pool With Two Figures), My Parents, and Mr And Mrs Clark And Percy. Hockney embraced various formats, including printmaking, set design, photography, and digital media such as photocopier, fax, computer, iPhone, and iPad drawing, as well as stained glass.
Tributes from Institutions
Professor Christoph Lindner, president of the Royal College of Art where Hockney studied, called him a "defining voice in art across his lifetime." Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain, said the gallery will work with Hockney's team to realize two projects he was working on before his death: a major exhibition at Tate Britain spanning seven decades and a multimedia installation in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall. Farquharson stated: "We are greatly saddened by the news of David Hockney’s death. Widely regarded as one of the most successful and recognisable artists of our time, he is an immensely important figure to Tate." Hockney's 2017 retrospective at Tate Britain became the gallery's most popular exhibition, attracting nearly half a million visitors.
Personal Life and Survivors
Hockney is survived by his long-time partner Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima; his great-nephew Richard, who served as studio assistant; brothers Philip and John; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Public Tributes
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin described Hockney as "quite simply one of Yorkshire’s finest." Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called him "a true titan of British art." Sir Nicholas Serota, chairman of Arts Council England, praised him as an "artist of constant invention" who was "full of humility about his achievements, but his work was admired across the world."
