David Hockney got stuck in an Amsterdam lift… and had the perfect response once freed

David Hockney, the Bradford-born artist, had to be rescued by Dutch firefighters after getting stuck in a lift.

The 81-year-old was in Amsterdam on his way to a Van Gogh Museum exhibition showing the link between the work of the two artists when his lift suddenly stopped.

The Daily Mail reported that Mr Hockney was offered a glass of whisky after the ordeal but replied simply: "No, no, a nice cup of Yorkshire tea would be perfect."

Broadcaster James Naughtie, who was trapped in the lift with him, said: "We were coming down in David Hockney's hotel next to the Van Gogh Museum so that we could find a quiet spot for the interview.

"A little crowd packed into the lift… It jerked to a halt, stuck. We pressed the alarm [but heard] nothing…

"Someone suggested pushing in the ceiling, because that's what happens in the movies when people climb out by scrambling up the metal wires. No."

After half an hour "we heard feet on the roof of the lift" and "the glimpse of a fireman's uniform."

The door "was wrenched back" and there were "cheers" from the crowd that had gathered in the lobby.