The King has led the nation in paying tribute to David Hockney, the artist described as a ‘giant of the British art world’. In a statement released from Buckingham Palace, the monarch highlighted Hockney’s profound influence on modern art and his enduring legacy. The tribute comes following the announcement of Hockney’s passing at the age of 87.
Hockney, born in Bradford in 1937, reshaped the landscape of 20th-century art with his vivid landscapes, portraits, and explorations of perspective. His work spanned painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and stage design, earning him a place among the most celebrated artists of his generation. The King’s tribute acknowledged not only Hockney’s technical mastery but also his bold use of colour and his ability to capture the essence of place and time.
‘David Hockney was a cultural colossus, a master of light and life who redefined how we see the world,’ the King said. ‘His legacy will endure in every brushstroke, every pool of reflected light, every Yorkshire landscape he transformed into art.’ Hockney’s connection to the royal family was well known; he had painted the King in 2015, a portrait that captured the monarch with characteristic warmth and depth.
The art world has united in mourning. Tate Modern, which housed major retrospectives of Hockney’s work, described him as ‘one of the most influential British artists of all time’. Museum director Sarah Milne said, ‘His eyes saw colour where others saw only light. He was a revolutionary with a paintbrush.’
Hockney’s career was defined by relentless experimentation. From his early pop art influences in 1960s Los Angeles to his vibrant iPad drawings of the Yorkshire Wolds, he continuously pushed boundaries. His series of paintings of swimming pools, including ‘A Bigger Splash’, became iconic symbols of a sun-drenched Californian lifestyle, while his later works celebrated the changing seasons of his native landscape. He was also an outspoken advocate for artistic freedom and a passionate defender of the physical act of painting in an age of digital reproduction.
Social media has been flooded with tributes from fellow artists, politicians, and admirers. Actor and collector Sir Ian McKellen called Hockney ‘a true original, a man who saw the world through a different lens and invited us all to share his vision’. Prime Minister’s office released a statement saying Hockney ‘did not simply capture the world, he transformed it, leaving an indelible mark on our culture’.
Hockney’s influence extended beyond the canvas. He was an author, a photographer, and a designer whose work on stage productions for the Royal Opera House reimagined theatrical scenery. His 2012 book ‘A Bigger Message’ offered insights into his creative process, revealing a mind that was as analytical as it was artistic. He spoke often of the need for art to bring joy and clarity, especially in turbulent times.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, but Hockney had been in declining health in recent years. He is survived by his longtime partner, as well as a vast body of work that will continue to inspire generations. A state funeral is not expected, but a memorial service at Westminster Abbey is under discussion.
As the nation pays its respects, the King’s tribute serves as a reminder of Hockney’s singular contribution. He was a giant in every sense of the word: towering in his vision, generous in his spirit, and unwavering in his dedication to the craft. His art remains a testament to the beauty of the world, seen through eyes that never stopped looking for the next big splash.
