The Bank of England has published the minutes of the Banknote Imagery Advisory Group meeting held in April 2026, providing a rare insight into the detailed process by which the images that appear on the United Kingdom's currency are selected.
The advisory group, which includes historians, artists, scientists and representatives of the public, is responsible for advising the Bank on the selection of the historical figures, landmarks, scientific achievements and cultural symbols that appear on Bank of England banknotes. Its deliberations involve balancing historical significance, public recognition, diversity of representation and the practical requirements of banknote design.
The minutes record the group's discussion of several potential themes for future banknote series, including the representation of British scientific achievement, the celebration of cultural diversity, and the commemoration of national institutions. The group also discussed the practical challenges of banknote design, including the need for images that are recognisable at small scale, that can be reproduced in a limited colour palette, and that are resistant to counterfeiting.
The Bank said the publication of the minutes was part of its commitment to transparency in all aspects of its operations, including those that might appear to be of primarily aesthetic rather than operational significance. The selection of banknote imagery is a matter of considerable public interest, and the Bank said it was important that the process was open to scrutiny.
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