David Hockney, one of Britain’s most influential contemporary artists, has accepted an invitation from Westminster Abbey to design a stained glass window to celebrate the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
David Hockney, one of Britain’s most influential contemporary artists, has accepted an invitation from Westminster Abbey to design a stained glass window to celebrate the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The window, which will be known as The Queen’s Window, is in the north transept of the Abbey and is one of the church’s few remaining clear windows.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said today (Tuesday 22nd November): ‘ I am delighted to announce our intention to celebrate Her Majesty’s reign with a stained glass window on the west side of the North Transept and that David Hockney has agreed to design the window to be made by the Barley Studio in York.
‘It will be wonderful to have in the Abbey the work of this internationally renowned contemporary British artist who has been honoured by The Queen with membership of the Order of Merit, which is in Her Majesty’s personal gift.’
David Hockney said: ‘I have planned a landscape full of blossom that’s a celebration every year.’
Her Majesty The Queen, who celebrated her 90th birthday this year, has ruled for longer than any other monarch in British history, and is a much loved and respected figure across the globe. She has travelled more widely than any other monarch, undertaking many historic overseas visits, particularly to the countries of the Commonwealth. Her profound sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service have been the hallmark of a reign spanning enormous social change.
After succeeding her father HM King George VI in February 1952, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at Westminster Abbey in June 1953. As a Royal Peculiar, with a direct personal link to the Sovereign, the Abbey formally welcomes the monarch as The Visitor regularly throughout the year for services ranging from the Commonwealth Service to, for example, the forthcoming service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
HM The Queen married HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in the Abbey in November 1947. Her grandson, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, was married in the Abbey in April 2011.
Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh will visit the Abbey on Thursday (24th November) for a Service to Celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.