I wouldn't call David a 'friend' because we only met on a couple of occasions. Had I lived in London rather than in France, I'm sure our friendship would have continued; but it was not to be.
We first met whilst I was at college. He was a 'visitor' to the Painting Dep't, and we seemed to get on very well (he liked the work I was doing). Later he invited me to his home in Powis Terrace, for tea. The tea itself was served by his friend Peter, wearing only a plastic apron (I had to look away). I imagine that tea was one of David's obsessions, as I remember being offered an extremely wide variety.
Whilst there he showed me the job he was working on; a picture of two people sitting on a bench in the Luxembourg Gardens; viewed from behind. A rather strange symmetrical subject for a painting.
He'd bought a first floor flat in a terrace of Victorian houses, and when the first floor flat next door came up for sale he bought it and knocked the two into one, making a huge space.
I always liked his work, up until he began to use technology rather than paint. I owned a couple of his engravings of the poet Cavafy, which I sold at Sotheby's when I was in need of some cash.
He was England's 'most famous painter' from the mid-1960's to his recent death on the 11th June 2026, and his name became 'household'. Mention 'David Hockney' to almost anyone, and they will know who he was. Unusual for an artist.
So, RIP David. I'm glad we met each other. You looked just like your picture above when I visited your Notting Hill flat, and I remember our conversation fondly. Cro.
8 comments:
You had the great privilege of knowing such a wonderful artist.
Far too briefly unfortunately. But at least I met him.
He meant a lot to me too - though I never met him. He was not only inspired but a very hard worker. He left his mark upon the world - that's for sure.
He certainly did, and was a great ambassador for the Tobacco industry.
Another famous acquaintance. You lived in marvellous times
Have I ever told you about when I met.......
And a Yorkshireman as well. His time in L.A gave him so much inspiration, leading up to his most famous work, A Bigger Splash, which could have been the title of your post yesterday.
Amazing that Hockney was never tempted to join the Art Colony down in West Cornwall with the likes of Patrick Heron, Terry Frost and Peter Lanyon.
(Ooh, my big Summer Cornish post is up now).
I think London suited him the best, although the USA was probably his best market. I don't think Normandy was really his bag. I see he died in London.
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