It is a time of joy tinged with sadness for Bradford's new Freeman of the City David Hockney.

The world-famous artist is proud of the honour bestowed on him by his home city.

But the awe-inspiring City Hall ceremony was also poignant because his best friend the late Jonathan Silver was not there to share the day.

The owner of Salts Mill died of cancer almost three years ago at the age of 47.

His widow Maggie, who shed a tear, at the emotive event said: "We are very, very proud of him. We wish Jonathan was here to share it."

For the artist's brother, Paul Hockney - the Council's former Liberal Lord Mayor- it was a huge change from the rowdy political cut and thrust which normally echoes through the historic council chamber.

He said: "It was a superb ceremony. It is very nice to have a meeting in the Council chamber as exciting, happy and thrilling as this. The family feels very proud."

But the day started like any other for David Hockney who now lives in Los Angeles.

It was cereal for his breakfast and a walk by his much-loved canal.

It was the day when his picture of a Bradford fish and chip shop when up for sale for at Sotheby's.

But will there be any new paintings of the city which has now bestowed upon him its greatest honour?

He said: "I keep thinking of doing one, but then something else comes along.

"It was a Victorian city when I left in 1959 and every new building was referred to as an improvement. They stopped saying that later.

"It has changed - it's less smoky. I went to Bolton Abbey the other day. There was a notice saying that dogs shouldn't foul the land. On the other side there was a field full of cow dirt. But the Council wouldn't do anything about that.

"Saltaire was a mill going 24 hours a day. Now I am putting my paintings up there.

"But I am utterly provincial. I was 18 years old when I first made a visit to London."

He said he would use the silver ash trays, presented as a special gift at the ceremony.

"I suggested them. You have to be militant. You are not allowed to say a pipe smoker won't get road rage.

"If you listen to the medical profession they base everything on death. The positive thing is love of life. You don't get that from any official source.

"I am becoming very hard of hearing. This is a disability not usually catered for.

"I am a smoking, deaf person. If you are deaf you don't go to meetings because you can't hear. You don't stand up for yourselves, but I am doing it now."

The world-acclaimed artist was praised by Lord Mayor Councillor Stanley King and leading politicians for his commitment and loyalty to Bradford and brilliance of his work.

But speaking off the cuff in sharp contrast to the official tributes, Hockney said: "I have always received encouragement in Bradford, which was where I learned my craft, at Wellington Road School, Bradford Grammar School, art school - and the Morley Street cinema.

"I am a painter, some people say I talk too much. But I am not a politician and have never been a member of the Council."

But he told the packed, expectant chamber: "Yes, I very much like Bradford."

The artist remained solemn, as he signed the roll of honorary freemen and Coun King said: "I beg to tender you the right hand of fellowship as an honorary freeman of the city of Bradford."

He follows in the footsteps of Baroness Barbara Castle, who said she felt like "Cathy Come Home" when she returned to receive the honour in 1997.

e-mail:

olwen.vasey@bradford.

newsquest.co.uk

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