David Hockney’s Legacy: Bradford’s Beloved Art Icon Lives On

David Hockney, one of the most celebrated artists from Bradford, passed away this week at the age of 88. Born in Eccleshill in 1937, Hockney attended Wellington Primary School and then Bradford Grammar School in Heaton. He later studied at Bradford School of Art, which is now known as Bradford College. Throughout his life, Hockney was cherished by his hometown and recognized by the art world for his unique style and creativity. Even today, almost 90 years after his birth, it is hard to grow up in Bradford without knowing about David Hockney.

Bradford College honors Hockney with a £50 million building named after him, and his influence is still felt among students. One of his works, The Hypnotist, is displayed at the college, inspiring new generations of artists. Ryan Woods, the manager of the School of Art, says that Hockney's story shows that anyone, even from a humble background, can succeed in the art world. Hockney was known for his signature look: glasses, a cap, and often a cigarette. Ryan explains that Hockney's art is important because it crosses many different styles and mediums, which is very inspiring for young people. He says, 'David is always someone we can talk about in class to inspire students, because his work changed and grew as creativity should. '

Aimee Scala, a student at the college, says that Hockney has been a big influence on her and her classmates. She says, 'Using him as an inspiration, since he worked in so many different ways, has really helped me figure out what I want to do. ' Lecturer Mike Tipping adds that Hockney's work is referenced in many courses. He says, 'David Hockney the person has gone, but he will live on in his artwork and will continue to inspire students. '

At Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Lister Park, which is across from Hockney's old school, art lovers come to see a permanent exhibition of his work. Pat Foster, who is 73, remembers Hockney as a creative local person who explored every kind of art, from opera to digital media. She says, 'He brought more interest and understanding of people who have same-sex relationships, especially with his paintings from Miami. He has been great for Bradford and Yorkshire, and we will really miss him. '

Cliff and Joy Allchin, visiting from Leeds, also came to see Hockney's art. Cliff recently wrote prose inspired by Hockney's work in his creative writing class. Joy says she likes Hockney's flower paintings but is not as interested in his portraits of people. She says, 'I like the flowers, but the portraits didn't do anything for me. '

Brenda Knott from Leeds is on a 'Hockney tour' in Bradford. She visited Eccleshill, where Hockney was born, and loves a picture of him with Alan Bennett at Salts Mill. She says, 'I've been to see his work at Salts Mill many times. I even got my grandson a pencil for his iPad so he could draw like Hockney. It's so inspiring and wonderful for Bradford to be connected to him. It's a big loss. '

Paul Holmes, a graphic designer, says Hockney inspired him to become an artist when he was a teenager. He remembers seeing Hockney's photographic joiners at the Media Museum, which made him want to create his own art. Years later, he found an original Hockney for sale for £10, which is now worth much more.

Salts Mill, a famous building in Bradford, has a permanent gallery for Hockney's work. Zoe Silver, who helps run Salts Mill, remembers when Hockney visited to see his art on display. She says he was happy to meet people who enjoyed his work. Her father, Jonathan, became friends with Hockney and made his art a central part of Salts Mill. Zoe says, 'He was born to paint. People remember him walking around Bradford with a pram full of paintbrushes. Art was his life. '

David Hockney's death is a big loss for Bradford and the art world, but his legacy will live on through his art and the inspiration he gave to so many people. His work will continue to be celebrated in Bradford and beyond.