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David Hockney unveils iPad-designed stained glass window at Westminster Abbey

PA
PA

David Hockney today unveiled his new stained glass window at Westminster Abbey.

The Queen’s Window, the artist’s first work in stained glass, was commissioned to celebrate Elizabeth II’s reign and reflects her 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.

His design fills half of one of the few remaining plain-glass windows in the north transept of the abbey – a space 1.8m x 6m (6ft x 20ft) high.

Hockney, 81, who has been recognised with an Order of Merit and as a Companion of Honour, was chosen for the commission as one of the most influential artists of The Queen’s reign.

His creation of the work was announced in 2016, a year after the Queen became the longest-serving monarch in British history.

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

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

Hockney once turned down the chance to paint the monarch because he was “too busy”. He finally painted her in 2012, composing an image of the Diamond Jubilee river pageant on an iPad as he watched it on TV.