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AIBU?

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AIBU to dislike David Hockney for opposing the smoking ban?

135 replies

Bertiebiscuit · 12/06/2026 14:33

I always disliked David Hockney for his campaign against the Smoking indoors in public places ban, probably the best thing the then sensible Labour government did for public health and predictably the Guardian supported him - that rag is always on the wrong side of history. No doubt he would have lived longer had he had any sense. That legislation brought in stop smoking clinics, trained smoking cessation counsellors and inspired stop smoking aids like nicotine replacement therapy. Probably the biggest positive change in public health since sewers and soap. One selfish old man with no children did his level best to interfere, we should not deify him.

OP posts:
Livpool · 12/06/2026 15:55

What?! Why do even care. And how long do you expect him to have lived?!

BIossomtoes · 12/06/2026 15:50

PauliesWalnuts · 12/06/2026 15:39

I don’t have any kids. Does that make me a selfish old woman?

FYI for any Hockney fans, there’s a permanent exhibition of his at Salt’s Mill in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, which is amazing.

Editing to add that the exhibition in Saltaire is free.

Edited

It’s great, isn’t it? I loved it. My abiding memory will always be going to see the Spring Time in Normandy show at the RA. It was my first gallery visit after lockdown. A huge room filled with daffodils, sunshine and fizzing blossom. It fed my soul and made me feel optimistic about the world. My step was lighter when I left.

snoopydoopydo · 12/06/2026 15:42

Bertiebiscuit · 12/06/2026 14:33

I always disliked David Hockney for his campaign against the Smoking indoors in public places ban, probably the best thing the then sensible Labour government did for public health and predictably the Guardian supported him - that rag is always on the wrong side of history. No doubt he would have lived longer had he had any sense. That legislation brought in stop smoking clinics, trained smoking cessation counsellors and inspired stop smoking aids like nicotine replacement therapy. Probably the biggest positive change in public health since sewers and soap. One selfish old man with no children did his level best to interfere, we should not deify him.

Did you have to post this today? I'm not sure if you are being insensitive or just goady, but do try to have a little respect hey?

ScholesPanda · 12/06/2026 15:42

'This man had a view I didn't like- you must dislike him too, even though he's now dead and couldn't care less what any of us think.'

No thanks, OP.

Oboliskit · 12/06/2026 15:41

Maybe he just really loved smoking? Chill out op. There’s bigger fish to fry.

PauliesWalnuts · 12/06/2026 15:39

I don’t have any kids. Does that make me a selfish old woman?

FYI for any Hockney fans, there’s a permanent exhibition of his at Salt’s Mill in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, which is amazing.

Editing to add that the exhibition in Saltaire is free.

LizardLore · 12/06/2026 15:38

What an absolutely crazy post

MissMoneyFairy · 12/06/2026 15:37

Selfish old man with no children? Wow, just wow.

crumpet · 12/06/2026 15:37

I mean he was wrong on this issue,but that in itself is not a reason to like or dislike him.

it’s like saying that his support for gay rights means that we have to automatically like him.

Miranda65 · 12/06/2026 15:34

Oh F Off! The world has lost a true genius, who brought so much joy to life, and that's all you can think of to say, OP?
I am a lifelong non-smoker, but I rather admired Hockney for railing against all the bossiness in the world.
Yes, we knew he was old and frail, but today is a truly sad day for all of us who loved his colour, enthusiasm and quirkiness.

Babaar · 12/06/2026 15:33

And you felt the need to publish your opinion, following the announcement of his death, not while he was alive and able to respond.

Shame on you.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 12/06/2026 15:24

Given that one of the roles of art is to hold a mirror up to and challenge the establishment arguably he was fulfilling his artistic role in opposing the ban.

He was brilliant and his art was deceptive in its apparent simplicity. He was an excellent draughtsman and immensely talented.

Lomonald · 12/06/2026 15:18

NoArmaniNoPunani · 12/06/2026 14:41

Yabu. Its unthinkable now to go back to smoking indoors but at the time there was a huge amount of criticism for the ban.

This, it came into force in Scotland first and people really were astounded that they couldn't smoke inside, David Hockney thought his civil liberties were being taken away, he wasn't the only although he wasn't the only one,

thebear1 · 12/06/2026 15:16

He's probably a nicer person than someone who thinks this post is appropriate on the day his death is announced.

LakieLady · 12/06/2026 15:14

TheKittenswithMittens · 12/06/2026 14:46

As an aside, isn't Maggie Hamblin a massive smoker?

She is, although she may have stopped since I saw her in my local pub around 2000, and she practically chain smoked then.

BIossomtoes · 12/06/2026 15:14

How long did you expect him to live? He was 88. I love Hockney and won’t hear a word against him. A big chunk of joy left the world today.

Gazelda · 12/06/2026 15:13

i can’t understand why you find it necessary to write so angrily about someone you don’t know on the day his death is announced

horribly disrespectful.

i’d be ashamed of myself if I were you

Dollymylove · 12/06/2026 15:12

SockPlant · 12/06/2026 14:34

Do we have a smoking ban?

Smoking is banned in pubs and public buildings etc. Its not banned in public outdoor areas (yet) as far as I know. You make smoke in your own home.
I am a former smoker (i have one occasionally with an alcoholic drink)
One thing that I find baffling is how smoking tobacco is now virtually on a par with killing your granny, yet weed seems to be acceptable, which in my view is more dangerous and the stench is disgusting!!

Sesquioxides · 12/06/2026 15:10

What are YOU smoking OP to have started such a tasteless thread about a great artist who has died after a long life? Because it's definitely not tobacco!

gardenhedge · 12/06/2026 15:04

I'm with you OP. He's just another entitled man really isn't he. He wanted to be able to smoke where ever he liked whether it harmed others or not so he thought he should be able to.

IamaBluebird · 12/06/2026 15:01

Well now that’s a spiteful little post Op, hope you’re not always so judgmental.

Mcdhotchoc · 12/06/2026 15:00

And what a sad way for me to find out he died

Lentilcakes · 12/06/2026 15:00

Well I’m a fan of his work and a supporter of the ban on smoking inside. Tbh there’s a lot worse he could’ve stood for/against so I’ll let him off. Hope he RIPs.

Mcdhotchoc · 12/06/2026 14:59

It's a bit odd to hate someone who is known as an innovative artist for his view on smoking.
Yes, the smoking ban was a hugely positive thing but loads of people were against it, citing every thing from personal choice to pubs closing.
I mean most artists would be pro personal choice.

MistressoftheDarkSide · 12/06/2026 14:59

Never has the saying "if you can't say anything nice, keep it zipped" felt more appropriate.