Low‑key funeral for art titan David Hockney

Sun Jun 21 2026 17:15:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The 88‑year‑old artist’s funeral was kept private, attended only by his partner and nephew, according to his publicist.

The funeral of David Hockney, Britain’s most celebrated painter, has already taken place under quiet circumstances. Only Hockney’s partner Jean‑Pierre Goncalves de Lima and great‑nephew Richard Hockney attended, in keeping with the artist’s wishes. Memorial services will be held next year in London, Los Angeles, Paris and Yorkshire, with the art world’s largest institutions receiving many of his works. King Charles expressed that he had been “greatly saddened”, while Tracey Emin called Hockney a “great artist and a wonderful man”. Current exhibitions at the Serpentine Gallery and planned shows at Tate Modern and Tate Britain will mark his legacy and celebrate a life of landmark paintings and pioneering digital portraits.

Low‑key funeral for art titan David Hockney

The funeral of David Hockney, Britain’s most celebrated painter, has already taken place under quiet circumstances. The 88‑year‑old artist passed away last month at his London home, and his publicist, Erica Bolton, confirmed that the ceremony was held in a modest setting. Only Hockney’s partner Jean‑Pierre Goncalves de Lima and great‑nephew Richard Hockney attended, honoring the artist’s wishes for a private affair.

Hockney’s works will largely be donated to foundations and public institutions worldwide to preserve his legacy. The art world’s biggest exhibitions continue, with a display running until August at the Serpentine Galleries in London’s Kensington Gardens. Next year, two major shows will commemorate what would have been Hockney’s 90th birthday: Tate Modern’s multimedia installation and a comprehensive exhibition at Tate Britain covering his entire career.

King Charles expressed that he and Queen Camilla had been “greatly saddened” by the death, describing Hockney as a “Yorkshireman through and through”, a “dear friend and inspiration to so many”. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also noted the loss in a statement, calling the artist “one of Britain’s most celebrated artists”. Fellow artist Dame Tracey Emin praised Hockney as a “great artist and a wonderful man” who changed the perception of Britishness through the power of art.

Future memorials will follow the artist’s wishes, with services scheduled in London, Los Angeles, Paris, and Yorkshire, locations that were significant in Hockney’s life. The public institutions and foundations receiving his oeuvre will ensure that his vibrant landscapes, iconic pool scenes, and iPad portraits continue to inspire new generations worldwide.