Bank of England seeks artist for new look £20 note
The Bank of England is on the hunt for an artist to redesign its £20 note, opening up nominations for the prominent commission to the public.
A new version of the banknote is scheduled to enter general circulation around 2018-20, replacing the current version featuring a representation of economist Adam Smith.
Bank governor Mark Carney is leading the commission, mindful of previous allegations of sexism following proposals to replace campaigner Elizabeth Fry on the back of fivers with a portrait of Winston Churchill, leaving no women on any of the banks notes.
This prompted the bank to select Jane Austen to appear on the new tenner design, which is currently in production.
Outlining the criteria for the new design Carney said he was looking for Britons ‘beyond the most obvious and most famous’ to adorn the note - but added they must also be ‘beyond the grave’.
He said: "There are a wealth of individuals within the field of visual arts whose work shaped British thought, innovation, leadership, values and society and who continue to inspire people today."
Nominations for artists ranging from sculptors to craftspeople are being sought by 19 July.