Hmm. I'm sure you feel the same, but I'm not a fan of matplotlib knowing about ipython - I would sooner leave hooks so that ipython can *make* matplotlib know about it. Obviously, that isn't going to happen here, but is something that I will keep in the back of my mind as something we could improve in the future.

Other than that, I wonder what ```get_backend``` does and whether this plays nice with those brave souls who use the mpl OO interface (@dmcdougall I'm looking at you here :smile:)?