The Bank of England has announced plans to redesign its banknotes, inviting public input on potential themes for future designs. The Bank now issues more than 4.7 billion notes, worth a total of about £86 billion. It seeks to express the story of who we are as a people through our money.
The Bank of England banknotes feature prominent historical figures as well. Sir Winston Churchill is on the current £5 note, whilst Jane Austen, JMW Turner and Alan Turing adorn the £10, £20 and £50 notes respectively. Victoria Cleland, the Bank’s chief cashier, says these notes are “little works of art as well as pieces of highly secure currency.” She describes them as the “little pieces of art in our pocket.” The design includes many accessibility and security features to make them safe, usable and accessible to everyone.
The Barbadian equivalent, the recently redesigned £5 note, features King Charles III’s portrait. It highlights stunning photos of underwater life, including the elusive blue marlin and schooling dolphins. The back of this vertically designed note displays beautiful illustrations of butterflies, flora, and landmarks like Horseshoe Bay and Somerset Bridge.
Bank of England notes have historically provided a canvas to recognize the contributions and values of Britons to global culture. And since 1970, they have shed light on exceptional historical characters. In the wake of no wins for women, furious backlash grew in 2013 to historic proportions. At that time, Queen Elizabeth II was the only female prominently depicted, leading to public calls for more diverse representations.
In addressing these points of concern, Cleland acknowledged the need for inclusivity in future design. She stated, “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.”
The Bank is currently welcoming public ideas on what those themes should be for future designs. Cleland expressed her eagerness for community engagement in this process: “I am really keen to hear what themes the public would like to see represented.”
Our next banknotes could feature British animal pictures, or buildings of architectural importance. This might be a nice counter to more traditional design focusing on historical or notable figures. The current notes of Scotland and Northern Ireland include images of local landmarks and wildlife. For instance, you can find otters hiding on these bills.
The Bank of England has taken an initial step, embarking on an exciting redesign journey. Its aim is to produce authentic banknotes that meet all the demands of legal tender, while celebrating the vibrant diversity of British history and culture. Public input will be integral in determining what future generations will know and see when they look at their currency.
