The Governor of the Bank of England today revealed the design of the new £20 note. The note which features the artist JMW Turner will be issued on 20 February 2020.
The polymer note contains sophisticated security features like two windows and a two-color foil making it the most secure banknote. The polymer note is expected to last longer and stay durable for day-to-day use. It also contains a tactile feature to help the visually impaired.
The public can use the paper £20 which will be gradually withdrawn. Notice will be given six months ahead. The note salutes the achievements of a notable artist JMW Turner. ‘Turner’s painting was transformative, ….and celebrates his art and legacy in all their radiant, colorful, evocative glory.’
Features on the new £20 are:
- A large see-through window with a blue and gold foil on the front and silver on the back depicting Margate lighthouse and Turner Contemporary. The shape of the large window is based on the shape of the fountains in Trafalgar Square.
- A smaller see-through window at the bottom corner of the note, inspired by Tintern Abbey.
- JMW Turner’s self-portrait painted in 1799 and on display in Tate Britain.
- One of Turner’s most eminent paintings The Fighting Temeraire; a tribute to the ship HMS Temeraire which played a distinguished role in Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It is on display in the National Gallery and was voted the nation’s favorite painting in 2005.
- A metallic hologram which changes between the word ‘Twenty’ and ‘Pounds’ when the note is tilted.
- The Queen’s portrait in the see-through window with ‘£20 Bank of England’ printed twice around the edge.
- A silver foil patch with a 3D image of the coronation crown.
- A purple foil patch containing the letter ‘T’ and based on the staircase at Tate Britain.
- A quote “Light is, therefore, color” from an 1818 lecture by Turner referring to the innovative use of light, shade, color, and tone in his pictures.
- Turner’s signature from his Will with which he left many of his paintings to the nation.
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