Tributes Pour in for David Hockney from His Home Town
Residents and admirers from across the home town of renowned artist David Hockney have paid tribute following his passing at the age of 88.
Born in Eccleshill in 1937, Hockney attended Wellington Primary School before progressing to Bradford Grammar School in Heaton. He subsequently pursued his studies at Bradford School of Art.
His ties to the region were further strengthened through the 1853 gallery at Salt's Mill in Saltaire, established by his friend Jonathan Silver. This gallery houses one of the largest collections of Hockney's artwork.
Hockney's Connection to Yorkshire
Mill co-director Zoe Silver described Hockney as "proud" of his Bradford origins and Yorkshire heritage, characterizing him as a "genius" who "never stopped loving [life]."
"He loved Yorkshire, he loved the beauty of Yorkshire,"
"He made people who had never been to Yorkshire love it because he wanted to celebrate it and saw the joy - all the work in recent years has been joy and he never stopped working."
In 2012, Hockney unveiled a collection of iPad drawings depicting the Yorkshire Wolds. A selection of these drawings sold at auction in October for £6.2 million.
These works were created while Hockney resided in Bridlington, where he moved in 2005 from Beverly Hills. He had spent many summers in East Yorkshire during his school years.
Local Leaders Reflect on Hockney's Legacy
Councillor Chris Herd, Bradford's lord mayor, referred to Hockney as "one of Bradford's most well-loved sons."
"He was one of the most inspirational artists in the modern era and will leave a lasting legacy in the Bradford district and across the world," he said.
"He painted the things he loved and we know that people will continue to be inspired by his artwork and his passion for life for many years to come."
Simon Hinchliffe, principal of Bradford Grammar School where Hockney studied from 1948 to 1953, acknowledged him as one of the school's most influential alumni.
"We hold David's contribution to the world of art and the way we see the world in high regard. He was an incredible figure, he will be deeply missed. His legacy will be lasting - of that I'm sure,"
Following his secondary education, Hockney continued at Bradford School of Art, now incorporated into Bradford College.
During his time at college, he sold his first painting—a portrait of his father—for £10 at the Yorkshire Artists' Exhibition in 1957.
In 2014, during a refurbishment, Bradford College named its flagship £50 million building after Hockney.
Bradford College deputy CEO Liz Leek expressed that he remained "a source of immense pride for our College, our city, and the wider cultural community."
"David Hockney was not only one of the world's greatest artists, but also one of Bradford's most inspiring sons. His journey from Bradford School of Art to international acclaim embodies the transformative power of education and creativity."
Bradford Council Honors Hockney's Contributions
Councillor Stephen Place, leader of Bradford Council, stated:
"His legacy will live on, not only in the fantastic artwork displayed in galleries across the district and around the world, but also in the incredible support he gave to our year as UK City of Culture.
Bradford will forever honour his remarkable life, his fearless creativity and his enduring contribution to global culture."
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