David Hockney’s funeral had just two people there as plans for painting legacy revealed
David Hockney (Image: Getty Images)
David Hockney’s funeral has already taken place in private, with only his partner and great-nephew present, his publicist Erica Bolton has confirmed in a statement.
As per The Independent, Bolton said: “The funeral has already taken place.” She added: “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.”
Bolton also said: “The vast majority of his works will be given to foundations in furtherance of his legacy, as well as to public institutions throughout the world.”
Hockney died at his home in London on 11 June, aged 88, it was confirmed.
Memorials planned for 2027
Bolton said the first memorial service in celebration of Hockney’s life and work will take place in London in spring 2027, with memorials in Yorkshire, Paris and Los Angeles to follow.
Tributes have continued to come in from across the art world. Dame Tracey Emin described Hockney as: “A proud chain-smoking homosexual, who flew the flag higher than any other British artist.”
David Hockney’s life and legacy
Born in Bradford in 1937, Hockney became one of Britain’s most influential post-war artists, associated with pop art and later celebrated for bold colour, draughtsmanship and experimentation. His Los Angeles swimming-pool paintings and intimate portraits helped define a modern, sunlit visual language that became instantly recognisable in global popular culture.
He was an early, high-profile British artist to be openly gay, and his work frequently explored desire, intimacy and domestic life with men without euphemism, including art made before gay intimacy was legal. In later decades he embraced new tools including iPhone and iPad drawing, championing technology as a serious medium for art-making.
An exhibition of Hockney’s work is running at Serpentine Galleries in London until August, it has been announced.
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