David Hockney portrait sold by Royal Opera House in 'strategy for recovery' goes for £12.8m

A David Hockney portrait auctioned off by the Royal Opera House to fund its “strategy for recovery” has made £12.8 million.

The Portrait Of Sir David Webster, a former general administrator of the venue, sold in minutes at Christie’s last night.

ROH chief Alex Beard said: “As we face the biggest crisis in our history, the sale of Hockney’s portrait is a vital part of our strategy for recovery.

"The proceeds will be used to ensure the world’s greatest artists can once more return to our stages.”

Mr Beard previously admitted Hockney “does not much like it when any of his work is auctioned”. The sale has been criticised in some quarters.

Katharine Arnold, co-head of post-war and contemporary art, Europe at Christie’s, said they were “proud” to help the ROH.