diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py b/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py
index 8d277a4af0..4bcf3db57a 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py
@@ -44,6 +44,13 @@ except AttributeError:
     NO_URL_FORMATTING = getattr(QUrl, 'None')
 
 
+def load_icon(name):
+    return QIcon(I(name))
+
+
+QIcon.ic = load_icon
+
+
 # Setup gprefs {{{
 gprefs = JSONConfig('gui')