David Hockney's funeral held privately with only two mourners

Private ceremony in London

David Hockney's funeral has already taken place in private, his publicist Erica Bolton confirmed, with only two people present. The attendees were his partner, Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima, and his great-nephew Richard Hockney, who also worked as his assistant. The ceremony was held according to the artist's final wishes for minimal attendance and privacy. Hockney died on 11 June at the age of 88 at his home in London.

“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.”

Memorials across three continents

Bolton also announced that a first memorial service celebrating Hockney's life and work will be held in London in spring 2027. Further memorials will follow in Yorkshire, Paris and Los Angeles at later dates. The services are intended to give the public and the art world an opportunity to honour his legacy.

Tributes from royalty and politicians

King Charles III said he and the Queen were "greatly saddened" by the loss of "a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through, and a dear friend and inspiration to so many". Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Hockney as "one of Britain's most celebrated artists".

“A giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through, and a dear friend and inspiration to so many.”

“One of Britain's most celebrated artists.”

A legacy of 35,000 works

The majority of Hockney's own artworks will be donated to foundations and public institutions worldwide, his publicist said. He did not own a collection of paintings by other artists, and none of his works were kept at his properties in the UK, France or the US. The artist, who declined a knighthood in 1990, produced roughly 35,000 works across more than seven decades, with his final pieces created entirely on an iPad.

An instantly recognisable style

Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, wrote of Hockney's "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". Hockney was openly gay from an era when homosexuality was still illegal in the UK and created a series of nude male paintings he later called "homosexual propaganda". Born in Bradford, Yorkshire, he spent 40 years in California, captivated by its light and freedom.