The first ever stained glass window designed by the artist David Hockney has been unveiled at Westminster Abbey.
The Queen’s Window, in the Abbey’s north transept and was created by Barley Studio, York, after being commissioned by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster to celebrate the reign Queen Elizabeth II.
The window is the first piece in stained glass by Hockney, regarded as of the most influential artists of the present era. His achievements have been recognised with an Order of Merit and Companion of Honour.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev Dr John Hall, said: "I’m very pleased that David Hockney accepted my invitation to design this window which is a celebration of the reign of Her Majesty The Queen. What he has produced is directly accessible with wonderful colours. It is a country scene to honour a woman who loves her country."
The window, with a country scene depicted in vivid colours, is intended to reflect the Queen’s "deep affection and connection" to the countryside, the Abbey said.
Hockney, born in Bradford, was asked to provide something symbolic or representational, rather than a heraldic or figurative design, something that was recognisably his work.
His country scene is set in Yorkshire and features hawthorn blossom depicted in his distinctive colour palette of yellow, red, blue, pink, orange and greens.
Barley Studio used traditional techniques to make the window.
Hockney explained his wish to depict his design in block colour, following the simplicity of Matisse’s windows in using traditional techniques of glass and lead without the use of glass paint, enamels, acid etching or plating.
Westminster Abbey has previously commissioned stained glass windows by Sir Ninian Comper, Hugh Easton and John Piper. The last stained glass to be installed was in June 2013 by Hughie O’Donoghue RA, who designed two of the Lady Chapel windows.
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