The Bank of England has just released a stunningly beautiful response to its public competition for new banknote designs. This announcement has created a monumental wave of euphoria into the general public, especially our youth. Victoria Cleland, the Bank’s chief cashier, told us that the institution had received thousands of submissions. All of these submissions go to show the depth, diversity and range of incredible ideas aimed at celebrating the UK’s unique cultural identity.
In her closing remarks, Cleland emphasized the vast scope of ideas proposed by the public. She saw healthy enthusiasm around six potential themes. This excitement led to entries that explored new perspectives, from expressions of folklore and mythology to celebrations of engineering accomplishments. Another noteworthy design depicts a dolphin. This design elegantly showcases the nation’s deep relationship with its marine ecosystem.
Entries featured well-loved sites such as the Sycamore Gap tree, which became known around the world as the Robin Hood tree due to its association with local folklore. The Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead by Antony Gormley is a masterful design. For many people who live in the region, it has become a source of regional pride.
“The reaction shows how important banknotes are as a way to celebrate the UK and how much we have to celebrate,” Cleland stated, emphasizing the significance of these designs in representing national identity.
The Bank has certainly encouraged some imagination by challenging the public to pitch more unique themes. They intend to fill this with more distinctive features of British culture and history until the end of July.
Cleland said she was encouraged by the enthusiasm and engagement, especially from the millennial and Gen Z generations. Our six proposed themes that haven’t recently been done to death have struck a particular chord. They’ve been creative with their ideas in between those themes,” she said.