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We were first approached by Mr John Handcock of The Royal Albert Institute Trust in January 2012. He asked us if we’d like to design and build two stained glass windows for the Windsor Guildhall to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. We were very honoured to be asked and very excited about the prospect of this project.
We met with the members of the trust and several ideas were put forward and it was decided that Her Majesty the Queen’s four residences would be an appropriate subject matter.
After much deliberation we came up with four possible designs ranging from the very simple to the more complex designs we see today. We wanted to present something traditional so that it would be in keeping with the existing windows in the Ascot Room and yet have a slightly contemporary feel.
The trust chose one of the designs and after some discussion a few slight changes were made. Eventually we decided upon a definitive design.
The woven band around the edge of the windows symbolises Her Majesty the Queen’s continuing reign over the country and the Prince Albert Brooch represents, not only the Diamond Jubilee but also her association with The Royal Albert Institute Trust. The four residences can clearly be seen surrounded by the red rose of England again representing Her Majesty the Queen as head of this country and her continuing service. We also included the Royal Cypher and The Order of the Garter motto.
The practicalities of the window were that we wanted to create a light airy feeling whilst also conveying a certain amount of detail and a certain amount of privacy.
After various consultations and the approval of English Heritage we were finally given the go ahead at the end of August 2012.
From start to finish (excluding the design process) the windows took approximately 8 weeks to make and were fitted at the end of October 2012.
In November 2013 the windows were finally unveiled along with a plaque commemorating the occasion. We were thrilled to meet both HM the Queen and Prince Philip who both showed a keen interest in the project.
