David Hockney designs first 'iPad' window for Westminster Abbey in honour of Queen

A stained glass window designed on an iPad by David Hockney to celebrate the Queen's reign has been unveiled at Westminster Abbey.

The window, the artist's first work in stained glass, reflects the Queen's love for and connection with the countryside.

Hockney's design was created on his iPad and is set within his beloved Yorkshire and features hawthorn blossom.

It uses his distinct colour palette of yellow, red, blue, pink, orange and greens.

The new window, called The Queen's Window, can be found in the Abbey's north transept.

Hockney was asked to design something symbolic or representational, rather than a figurative design.

Attending the unveiling, Hockney said: "The iPad is back-lit like a window. It's a natural thing to use."

He said of designing his first stained glass window: "I learnt something about glass. It was a challenge."

The artist said of Westminster Abbey: "I know this is a historic place and I know it's going to last."

Asked whether the Queen has seen the finished work, he said: "Not yet but I hope she'll like it. I'm sure she will."

Westminster Abbey said that the result "reflects the Queen as a countrywoman and her widespread delight in, and yearning for, the countryside".

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said: "I'm excited by it.

"I think there's absolutely no harm at all in having something which is particular and vibrant and different.

"Some of the glass here is not very good. Some of it is not too bad, but this has a wonderful, beautiful, easily accessible vibrant colour. I think people will enjoy it."

He added: "It's going to be here until the end. Who knows what's going to happen in the future."

Hockney, 81, is one of Britain's most-loved artists and famous for his Yorkshire landscapes and paintings of Californian life.

Barley Studio, a stained glass studio based in York, created the window using traditional techniques.