Icelandic artist makes Southwark's Jubilee window

A new stained-glass window commissioned to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee has been installed in Southwark Cathedral.

The window is said to depict "jewels descending from heaven".

It was made in Iceland by artist Leifur Breidfjord who won a competition to get the commission.

A service of dedication for the new window will take place on the day of the Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant on 3 June.

Mr Breidfjord says he has created "a celebration to life, a vibrant, sparkling and colourful creation that inspires joy, happiness and optimism for the future".

The Dean of Southwark, the Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, said the large number of prisms scattered through the design were: "Just like jewels descending from heaven to earth and the eye is drawn from earth to heaven.

"It speaks to us of the way in which Her Majesty has always, and in a very modest but clear way, testified to her Christian faith throughout her reign."

The window was paid for by the Glaziers Trust, which is the charitable arm of the Worshipful Company of Glazier, one of the historic livery companies of the City of London.

Steve Graham, Chairman of the Glaziers Trust, said: "By providing the funds for the gift the trust has given the Worshipful Company of Glaziers the opportunity to provide a lasting tribute to Her Majesty that can be appreciated and admired for generations to come."

Organisers have scheduled the service for 17:30 BST to coincide with the ending of the flotilla so as many people as possible have the opportunity to attend.