David Hockney: King leads tributes to late British art 'giant'

The artist, who has died at the age of 88, "was one of life's true originals", King Charles says.

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In a personal message, King Charles said he and the Queen were "greatly saddened" to learn of the death of "a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through, and a dear friend and inspiration to so many".

Artist Dame Tracey Emin said she felt privileged to have known Hockney, adding: "A great artist and a wonderful man, who with the power of art changed the perception of Britishness. A proud chain-smoking homosexual, who flew the flag higher than any other British artist."

Over his seven-decade career, Hockney was famous for his vibrant and innovative artworks, including landscapes of his native Yorkshire, sun-drenched paintings of Los Angeles swimming pools, and iPad portraits of friends and family.

In his statement, the King recalled encounters with Hockney, including an Order of Merit lunch to which the artist wore unconventional footwear in 2022.