Heralded as Bradford’s favourite son, artist David Hockney had been cherished by his home town as well as recognised by the the art world before his death aged 88 this week.
Born in Eccleshill in 1937, Hockney attended Wellington Primary School before heading to Bradford Grammar School in Heaton.
He later studied at Bradford School of Art, now Bradford College.
Even almost 90 years after his birth, it is impossible to grow up in the city and not know who he is.
Today, Bradford College has a £50m building named after its alumnus and keeps his work alive with the students – even keeping one of his works, The Hypnotist, on display.
Ryan Woods is manager of the School of Art and says Hockney, whose uniform of glasses, cap and cigarette on the go made him easily identifiable, shows you can be from a “humble background” and still make it in the art world.
“That’s one thing that’s really important about his work – it transcends a lot of different mediums. It’s something that’s very inspiring to the young people we get through this door,” he explains.
“David is always a person you can rely on to bring into the classroom to gain inspiration from, because his work evolved and it changed as creativity should.”
Student Aimee Scala says he has been catalyst for her and fellow students.
“Using him as an inspiration – as he’s done many form of media – has really helped me work out where I want to go,” she says.
Lecturer Mike Tipping says they reference his work across many courses.
“David Hockney the person has gone but he will live on in his artwork and will continue to inspire students,” he reflects.
