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The funeral of David Hockney has taken place in private with just his partner and great nephew in attendance, his publicist has confirmed.
The bespectacled and besuited British artist, whose work spanned landscapes from the turquoise swimming pools of Los Angeles to the emerald hills of his native Yorkshire, died on 11 June at the age of 88.
His funeral may seem sparse, but it took place according to Hockney’s wishes, his publicist confirmed.
“We have been overwhelmed by your tributes which have meant so much to us and we wanted to thank you,” Erica Bolton said in a statement. “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,” Bolton added. “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.”
David Hockney, who died earlier this month (PA)
The guests were Hockney’s partner Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima, and his great-nephew Richard.
Bolton went on to say that the majority of Hockney’s works would now be given to foundations and public institutions around the world “in furtherance of his legacy”, adding that Hockney did not have a collection of artworks by other painters, and none of his own work was stored at his properties in the UK, France and the US.
Hockney’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the world. In a personal message, King Charles said he and the Queen were “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”.
Keir Starmer also expressed his sadness over Hockney’s death, writing that he was “saddened” to hear of the death of “one of Britain’s most celebrated artists”.
Writing in tribute to Hockney and their long friendship, The Independent’s editor-in-chief Geordie Greig described the artist’s work as “instantly recognisable”.
“His sublime line, genius with colours, adventurous with form, and always reflecting where he was, who was with him, and an unlocking of a language of art which seduced the world,” Greig wrote. “He gave an identity to formless Los Angeles with his pools, palm trees and boys. His portraits created a world and circle of his own, which defined late-20th-century urban living.”
