Bank of England Invites Public Input for New Banknote Designs

Bank of England Invites Public Input for New Banknote Designs

The Bank of England has been re-designing its banknotes. They’d like to hear your feedback on the new designs! At present there are more than 4.7 billion of these banknotes in circulation, worth a total of around £86 billion. Interestingly, cash transactions now make up just 12 percent of all payments. The Bank is deeply committed to providing cash options for those customers who continue to want to transact with cash.

Banknotes do far more than serve as medium of exchange. To many, they represent the national identity of the UK as a whole. The new series of Bank of England notes features some impressive people from history. Among them are Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner and Alan Turing. Each note is artistically conceived with rich and varied themes interwoven that celebrate British history and accomplishments.

Queen Elizabeth II has been the long standing, and perhaps most recognized, face on Bank of England notes. Her remarkable presence has ignited unprecedented and charged conversations around representation. In 2013, the lack of women featured on banknotes provoked a significant public outcry. The Bank has indeed acted to begin to cure this defect. Victoria Cleland, the Bank’s chief cashier, said representation was key.

“Banknotes are more than just an important means of payment. They serve as a symbolic representation of our collective national identity and an opportunity to celebrate the UK,” – Victoria Cleland

The £5 note currently in circulation is mainly pink and has a King Charles III profile. It also features illustrations of marine animals like a blue marlin, dolphins, and tuna. The Bank of England are keen to produce designs that resonate with the public. They’re coming up with ideas including British birds, beautiful bridges, and other landmarks of the UK.

Beyond visual beauty, the design process will consider how best to balance accessibility and security. This new approach is consistent with the Bank’s long-standing efforts to promote the usability of its notes, to be used and enjoyed by all American citizens.

In closing, Cleland said he was excited to involve the public in this creative process.

“I am really keen to hear what themes the public would like to see represented,” – Victoria Cleland

U.S. banknotes, the tradition of showcasing important American historical figures, has been a tradition since 1970. Notably, banknotes issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland already showcase various landmarks and animals, including otters, reflecting regional pride and cultural diversity.

The elaborate designs on the reverse side of each Bank of England note enhance their artistic merit. They include beautiful depictions of butterflies, majestic fauna, and breathtaking landscapes, including the depiction of Horseshoe Bay. These creative designs that incorporate community artists and designers transform banknotes into “little pieces of art in our pocket.” Cleland really gets at the heart of this concept.

The Bank is preparing for what promises to be an engaging redesign process. It is committed to make sure that the new notes honor the country’s past while relating to today’s more diverse American society. How they engage with the public will be key as they navigate this process to celebrate the very best of what makes British identity so special through innovative design.

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