12/06/2026
Just seen on the BBC news that David Hockney, arguably Bradford’s most famous son, has died at the age of 88.
He was a modern day giant and his enormous collection of evolving artwork has been enjoyed and will be treasured for many people around the world.
I’ve loved his work from a young age and did my A Level Art extended study on his work from the 1950s, when he was a student at Bradford Art College.
My Dad and I were privileged to meet his art tutor from back then (Frank Wright), who had the foresight to keep Hockney’s early College work after he discarded some of it at the end of his time at Bradford Art College. Frank recalled Hockney writing at the top of one of his studies that he would grow up to be a world-famous artist … how right he was!
In my early twenties I worked in the brand new upstairs gallery in Salts Mill which originally housed Hockney’s Very New Paintings and was an absolute visual feast! My job was to talk to people about the pieces, sell postcards and keep grubby fingers from touching the glistening surfaces of the work!
The opening of the Very New Paintings exhibition was a huge event at the time and Hockney travelled over from Los Angeles to be there in person. I got the chance to meet him on the opening night and he signed a catalogue for me, which blew my mind as a big fan!
If there is a heaven then it is about to become a very joyful and colourful place 😊🌈
