David Hockney assistant death investigated

Dominic Elliott, 23, was one of David Hockney's studio assistants

David Hockney's assistant has died after he was taken to hospital from the artist's home.

Dominic Elliott, 23, was pronounced dead at Scarborough General Hospital at about 06:00 GMT on Sunday after being driven there from the house in Bridlington, East Yorkshire.

Humberside Police said there were no signs of violence and they were trying to establish what had happened.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Tuesday.

Mr Elliott played for Bridlington Rugby Club, which issued a statement on the club website: "Bridlington Rugby Club would like to send their condolences to the family of Dom Elliott.

"He played for the club at both second team and first-team level, he will be sadly missed by all the players and club members."

Hockney has been one of Britain's most celebrated artists for half a century.

Painted portrait

Born in Bradford, he made his name as a student in London in the 1960s before moving to paint California's sun-drenched landscapes.

David Hockney is one of Britain's most famous artists

He returned to the UK eight years ago and settled in Bridlington where his mother had lived.

His bright landscapes of the surrounding countryside were at the centre of last year's Royal Academy exhibition, which attracted more than 600,000 visitors.

Now 75, Hockney works with a small circle of younger assistants including Mr Elliott, whose portrait he painted in 2008.

There are currently two lithographs of Mr Elliott on display at Salts Mill in Saltaire, West Yorkshire.