David Hockney’s funeral has taken place after his ‘clear wish’ for only two people to attend.
The legendary artist ‘passed away peacefully’ at the age of 88 at his home in London earlier this month.
He is survived by his long-time partner Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima, along with two brothers and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
But his publicist has since confirmed that his small funeral was attended by only his partner and great-nephew.
In a statement, Erica Bolton said: ‘The funeral has already taken place.
‘We would like to clarify that it was David’s clear wish that his funeral should be attended only by his partner, JP, and his great-nephew Richard; and that their privacy would be respected.
‘The vast majority of his works will be given to foundations in furtherance of his legacy, as well as to public institutions throughout the world.’
It comes as friends of David shared their disappointment that they were reportedly unable to see him in his final weeks,
One friend told The Mail on Sunday: ‘I’ve been on the phone non-stop since David died. So many of his friends feel deeply saddened that they were unable to see him during his final days.
‘We are haunted by the idea that this man, whose art was adored around the world, might not have known how much his friends truly loved him.’
They added: ‘This is not what David would have wanted.
‘He would have been so upset that his friends were frozen out, particularly Celia Birtwell.’
Fashion designer Celia was Hockney’s muse during their five-decade friendship.
However, his publicist confirmed plans to celebrate his life next year with memorial services, reportedly to take place in Westminster Abbey, Yorkshire, Los Angeles and Paris.
Erica said the services are ‘in accordance with David’s wishes’.
Tributes poured in for the artist following his death on 11 June, with a No 10 spokeswoman said: ‘The Prime Minister is saddened to hear of the death of David Hockney, one of Britain’s most celebrated artists.
‘His vivid, instantly recognisable work influenced generations of artists, and the Prime Minister’s thoughts are with his friends and family.’
Long seen as a ‘national treasure’, Hockney’s huge round spectacles and bleached blond hair – replaced in later years by a series of flat caps – were almost as distinctive and familiar as his paintings.
As well as drawing on art from the past, from the Renaissance to the abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock, he was also known for consistently pursuing his own path and refusing to conform to the artistic fashions of the day.
An art school rebel, he was initially denied a diploma because he refused to complete an essay assignment and insisted that he should be judged on his artwork alone.
Having once declined the opportunity to paint Queen Elizabeth II, he designed a stained-glass window at Westminster Abbey in tribute to her.