As he prepares to celebrate his 60th birthday, Damien Hirst isn’t spending his time pondering over past awards or accolades—he’s more focused on his young son, family life, and reflecting on the choices that shaped his unconventional path.
And in true Hirst fashion, that includes turning down one of the most prestigious honours in Britain.
“It Just Didn’t Feel Right”: Why He Said No to a Knighthood
In a rare and candid interview with The Times, Hirst revealed that he once declined the offer of a knighthood.
The offer didn’t come through formal letters or official announcements—but rather via a quiet conversation initiated by the late Lord Jacob Rothschild, a respected figure in both banking and the arts.
“I was sounded out,” Hirst shared. “But I never felt comfortable with the idea.” After a chat with close friend and longtime art dealer Jay Jopling, the decision became clear: thanks, but no thanks.
Not the First Time He Turned Down an Honour
This isn’t the first time Hirst has passed on a royal title.
Back in 2017, he was offered a CBE (Commander of the British Empire), but he turned that down too.
“I got where I was going by myself,” he said. “The letters after your name thing just feels a bit uncool.”
He explained that Lord Rothschild had initially called him to float the idea of accepting a CBE.
When Hirst declined, Rothschild then hinted at a higher honour—a KBE, or knighthood—but that also didn’t feel right to the artist.
A Life That Defied Convention—In Every Way
Hirst, whose estimated worth sits at a cool £308 million, rose to fame as one of the leading figures of the 1990s Young British Artist (YBA) movement.
Known for his formaldehyde-preserved animals and bold installations, he was once as famous for his wild parties as he was for his provocative art.
Now, his life looks a little different. He’s a dad to one-year-old Noah, whom he shares with longtime partner Sophie Cannell, a 31-year-old former ballerina.
Speaking from Las Vegas—where he says there are “loads of mother and baby meetings”—he reflected on the changes fatherhood has brought.
Where’s Home? That’s a Hard Question for Hirst
Despite his massive fortune and portfolio of homes, Hirst admits he struggles to define where “home” is.
His three older sons live in a farmhouse in Devon, while he owns additional properties in London’s Mayfair and Richmond, as well as in the Cotswolds.
“I used to buy houses a bit like Monopoly,” he confessed. In fact, he would sometimes purchase the villas he stayed in during holidays—just because he could.
A Retreat from Mexico—and Wild Wildlife Encounters
At one point, Hirst spent a lot of time in Mexico and owns several homes there, but that’s no longer a preferred destination.
“Sophie hates spiders,” he said, explaining that the local wildlife includes tarantulas, scorpions—and even the occasional crocodile in the pool.
That kind of wildlife doesn’t exactly scream relaxing getaway, so it’s no wonder it’s off the list.
What Really Matters: Art, Money, and Staying Grounded
Despite his fortune and reputation, Hirst hasn’t lost sight of the challenges of the art world.
“Money is an important thing,” he admitted, adding that he’s always been wary of creating “loads of work that never sells.”
Even as he reflects on his massive success—from winning the Turner Prize in 1995 to crafting a diamond-encrusted skull with a £50 million price tag—Hirst remains refreshingly self-aware.
Titles and honours may impress others, but for him, they just don’t hold the same appeal.