Artist Damien Hirst Turns Down Knighthood, Citing Uncomfortable Feelings About the Idea

Artist Damien Hirst last night revealed that he turned down the offer of a knighthood because he did not feel comfortable accepting the honour.

During a uncommon interview, Britain's wealthiest artist revealed how he was approached regarding the prestigious prize by investment banker and art supporter Jacob Rothschild.

However, after discussing it with his friend and art dealer Jay Joplin, Hirst decided against it, stating: 'The concept never made me feel at ease.'

Allegedly valued at £308 million, Hirst was instrumental in establishing the Young British Artists (YBA) movement during the 1990s. rose to prominence by showcasing sharks and other creatures preserved in formaldehyde .

Previously known for his extravagant parties, Hirst currently has a one-year-old son named Noah with his partner of eight years, Sophie Cannell, who is 31 years old and used to be a ballet dancer. The comments were made to the Times magazine prior to his 60th birthday. Las Vegas where ‘they have loads of mother and baby meetings.’

He found it difficult to pinpoint exactly what 'home' meant for him, partly due to his eldest three sons residing in his Devon farmhouse. Additionally, he has ownership of other properties located in Mayfair and Richmond. London and in the Cotswolds.

He acknowledged that he once bought properties 'somewhat akin to playing Monopoly' and would often acquire the villas where he lodged during his vacations.

Hirst, the recipient of the Turner Prize in 1995, frequently visited Mexico and has multiple holdings there, though Ms Cannell isn’t fond of traveling to that location.

“She has an aversion to spiders, and we end up with tarantulas and scorpions,” he stated. “I once had a crocodile in the pool, making that option completely out of the question.”

Hirst revealed in 2017 that he was offered a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) but turned it down, saying: ‘I got where I was going by myself. The letters after your name thing just feels a bit uncool.’

Yesterday evening, he disclosed that Lord Rothschild, who passed away in February of the previous year, contacted him to inquire if he would be willing to accept a CBE.

When Hirst turned down the initial suggestion, the aristocrat—who belongs to the renowned banking clan—proposed offering him a Knighthood (KBE), but Hirst likewise refused this offer as well.

'...they are quite smart – they don’t usually present it to you directly but first send someone to gauge your reaction,' Hirst explained.

Baron Rothschild, a prominent personality in the art community, was an ideal person to reach out to the renowned artist.

'Heshowed up atmyhouseandstudioallthetime,'Hirtsaid.'Ilovedspendingtimewithhim.'

In the interview, Hirst, who once made a diamond encrusted skull with a £50 million price tag, declared ‘money is an important thing’ and that he wanted to ‘avoid making loads of work that never sells.’

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