Hockney's home town in tribute to 'inspiring son'

People from across celebrated artist David Hockney's home town have paid tribute, following his death at the age of 88.

Born in Eccleshill in 1937, Hockney attended Wellington Primary School before going to Bradford Grammar School in Heaton. He later studied at Bradford School of Art.

His connection to the area was further cemented through the 1853 gallery at Salt's Mill, in Saltaire, - which was founded by his friend Jonathan Silver - and is home to one of the largest collections of his work.

Mill co-director Zoe Silver said Hockney was "proud" of his Bradford roots and of Yorkshire, adding that he was a "genius" who "never stopped loving [life]".

"He loved Yorkshire, he loved the beauty of Yorkshire," she said

"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 he unveiled a collection of iPad drawings of the Yorkshire Wolds, a selection of which sold at auction in October for £6.2m.

The drawings were completed while Hockney was living in Bridlington, where he relocated to from Beverley Hills in 2005, having spent many summers as a school boy in East Yorkshire.

Councillor Chris Herd, Bradford's lord mayor, called Hockney "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."

Principal of Bradford Grammar School, where Hockney studied from 1948 to 1953, Simon Hinchliffe, said he was 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," he said.

After school, Hockney went on to study at Bradford School of Art, which in now part of Bradford College.

While at college he sold his first painting - a portrait of his father - for £10 at the Yorkshire Artists' Exhibition in 1957.

During its refurbishment in 2014, Bradford College named its flagship £50m building after the artist.

Bradford College deputy CEO Liz Leek said 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."

Councillor Stephen Place, Bradford Council leader, said: "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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