A STAINED-glass artist from York has told how she flew to David Hockney’s studio in California to discuss creating a new window for Westminster Abbey.

Helen Whittaker, creative director at Barley Studio in Dunnington, is involved in a project to create a 9m by 3m stained-glass window to celebrate the Queen’s reign, to a specially commissioned design by Hockney.

She said she was invited to stay at his LA home and studio to discuss the details of his ground-breaking commission. The window will be unveiled this autumn.

She said: “David’s an incredible picture-maker. He’s been a real inspiration to me, through his versatility, his attitude to life and as a draughtsman and colourist.”

Meanwhile, Helen said she had also been making two windows for the RAF Club, Piccadilly, to mark the air force’s 100th anniversary, which would be a ‘celebration in stained glass’ of women who have served in the Royal Air Force.