David Hockney, one of the most celebrated British artists of all time, has died aged 88.

The Bradford born artist died peacefully at his home on Thursday June 11, his agent said.

A statement read: “The celebrated British artist David Hockney, one of the most important figures in contemporary art in both the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away peacefully at home on 11 June 2026, one month short of his 89th birthday.”

It added: “David Hockney’s enduring legacy reflects his underlying enthusiasm for life, his outstanding sense of humour, his immense generosity, and his investigative curiosity encapsulated by his signature phrase, Love Life.

Celebrated British artist David Hockney has died aged 88, his publicist has said. Issue date: Friday June 12, 2026. PA Photo.

placeholder image — Celebrated British artist David Hockney has died aged 88, his publicist has said. Issue date: Friday June 12, 2026. PA Photo.

“Details of memorials will follow in due course.”

Tributes to Mr Hockney have been led by the Prime Minister.

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to David Hockney as “one of Britain’s most celebrated artists”, Downing Street said.

A No 10 spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister is saddened to hear of the death of David Hockney, one of Britain’s most celebrated artists.

“His vivid, instantly recognisable work influenced generations of artists, and the Prime Minister’s thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Hockney’s celebrated career spanned seven decades, and his most famous paintings included The Splash, A Bigger Splash, Portrait Of An Artist (Pool With Two Figures), My Parents and Mr And Mrs Clark And Percy.

He was lauded for his use of different formats, embracing digital art and the use of iPads as much as traditional painting.

He was a committed life-long and defiant smoker and campaigned against anti-smoking laws, calling them “mean-spirited”. He smoked until the end of his life.

He is survived by his long-time partner and companion Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima; his great-nephew Richard, who acted as studio assistant in his last years; his brothers Philip and John; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, Ms Bolton said.

Hockney embraced printmaking, set design, and photography to evolving media including photocopier and fax machines, computer, iPhone and iPad drawing, and stained glass.

He trained at the Bradford School of Art in the 1950s, followed by the Royal College of Art in London, where he graduated with gold medal distinction in 1962 and subsequently emerged as one of the seminal talents in the new generation of British artists.

The largest collection of his work is housed at Salts Mill, near Bradford.

Its co-director Zoe Silver remembered him as a “generous soul who loved joy.”