David Hockney friend, 23, dies in Bridlington

ARTIST David Hockney’s assistant has died after being taken to hospital from the artist’s home in Bridlington.
David Hockney in front of his collage of Bridlington views.David Hockney in front of his collage of Bridlington views.
David Hockney in front of his collage of Bridlington views.

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It is believed 23-year-old Dominic Elliott was a close friend of Mr Hockney, 75, and had sat for him on more than one occasion.

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He died at Scarborough General Hospital yesterday morning and police are now investigating the events surrounding his death.

David Hockney's house in Bridlington. Below: Hockney in front of his collage of Bridlington views, Dominic Elliott and Hockney's portrait of his assistant.David Hockney's house in Bridlington. Below: Hockney in front of his collage of Bridlington views, Dominic Elliott and Hockney's portrait of his assistant.
David Hockney's house in Bridlington. Below: Hockney in front of his collage of Bridlington views, Dominic Elliott and Hockney's portrait of his assistant.

Humberside Police said that they were contacted after the man had been taken to the hospital by a friend in a serious condition.

Police said: “The 23-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at hospital and the police notified.

“The circumstances of the man’s death are not clear and officers are currently undertaking inquiries to establish events leading to his death.

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“There were no signs of violence and a post mortem examination is due to take place tomorrow which is hoped may provide further information.”

Dominic ElliottDominic Elliott
Dominic Elliott

Nobody was available to speak at Hockney’s home in Bridlington this morning.

The large, detached, red-brick house is in a residential area near the seafront of the coastal town, with views of the beach and sea.

The blinds were drawn in the large bay windows and there was no answer at the door, although people had been seen entering the house earlier and two cars were parked in the driveway.

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Mr Elliott played rugby for Bridlington, and today members of the club paid tribute.

David Hockney's painting of Dominic ElliottDavid Hockney's painting of Dominic Elliott
David Hockney's painting of Dominic Elliott

Bridlington Rugby Club chairman Gordon Morrice said: “Dominic was a valued member of our club, a good player with great potential.

“With his size and ability he could easily have established himself as a first team regular.

“He was a popular lad and had so many friends at the club.”

The club said Mr Elliott, who only took up rugby a couple of years ago, was a scond row forward who mainly played for the Mariners - the club’s second team.

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Director of rugby Rich Girking said: “He was a cracking lad - an absolute bundle of fun and energy. He was constantly smiling and was a joy to be around.

“When he was out, he was the life and soul of the party, a fun-loving guy who was larger than life and everyone enjoyed his company.

“He only started playing rugby a couple of years ago but he learnt so quickly that he was called up to the first team squad. he was eager to learn and he was a great sportsman. It’s an absolute tragedy.”

Bradford-born Mr Hockney, who was one of the leading lights of the 1960s pop art movement, returned home to live and paint in Yorkshire after spending about 30 years in California. His landscapes of the Yorkshire Wolds have attracted international acclaim and he was celebrated at the Royal Academy of Arts last year with an exhibition of his large scale landscapes, called A Bigger Picture.

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He is also famous for artworks such as A Bigger Splash, a vivid depiction of a Los Angeles swimming pool, and the portrait Mr And Mrs Clark And Percy.

In recent years he has been exploring the possibilities of using an iPad for his artworks.