Big arted: David Hockney takes his charity fund to £84m with fresh donations

The Bradford-born artist, who splits his time between Bridlington and California, has reportedly expanded his charitable foundation, to which he has already donated more than £70m of his own artwork and £730,000 of his own cash, to £84m.

The Yorkshire Post understands that Hockney donated a further £9.5m of his paintings to the foundation during last year – taking the total amount the 75-year-old had donated to charity to more than double his estimated personal wealth of £34m.

Fans of Hockney’s work maintained that while the latest boost to his foundation should be welcomed, his art is as important as any financial measure. Robin Silver is one of the directors of Salts Mill in Saltaire, near Bradford, which is home to one of the largest collections of Hockney’s art.

Mr Silver said: “You cannot simply put a monetary value on David’s art, or any other art for that matter. It brings happiness, joy and fulfilment, like so much art does, which is equally as important as the monetary value. Anyone can come and see the works we have on display, and the joy it brings will hopefully permeate through.

“Given the current political and economic situation, to bring some joy and happiness to people is more important than ever.”

The David Hockney Foundation was formed in 2008 to oversee his extensive art collection and to educate the public about art. It is thought the artwork held by the foundation will eventually be donated to the Tate and Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Hockney’s appeal remains undimmed, as demonstrated when more than 500,000 visitors went to an exhibition of his work at the Royal Academy in London this year.

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