Readers share personal memories of David Hockney following his obituary in The Guardian. Harriet Gibson recalls a 1963 encounter with the young artist in his Notting Hill studio, where he showed her the painting *My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean* and playfully deflected her question about the number 69 in his work. Andrew Keeley notes that Clive James was similarly struck by the view of California swimming pools from the air, a sight that also inspired Hockney. Christine Hayes recounts that during Hockney's 2022 Lightroom exhibition, the fire alarms would go off whenever he visited.
These letters matter because they offer intimate, humanizing glimpses into the life and personality of one of Britain's most celebrated artists, beyond the formal obituary. They highlight Hockney's wit, his openness with young admirers, and the enduring impact of his work and presence on the public. The anecdotes also underscore how personal encounters and small details—like a mischievous question or a recurring fire alarm—can become cherished parts of an artist's legacy.