AFP, Margate :
The artist J. M. W. Turner will appear on the new o20 note, Bank of England governor Mark Carney announced Friday.
The new design will include Joseph Mallord William Turner’s self-portrait and his 1838 oil painting “The Fighting Temeraire”.
“Turner is perhaps the single most influential British artist of all time,” Carney said.
“His work was transformative, bridging the classical and modern worlds. His influence spanned his lifetime and is still apparent today.”
Carney made the announcement as he unveiled a concept image of the note at the Turner Contemporary art gallery in the southeast English seaside resort of Margate.
“Turner bequeathed this painting to the nation, an example of his important contribution to British society,” said Carney.
The new note ($28.80, 25.70 euro) will also include the quote “Light is therefore colour”, from an 1818 lecture by Turner referring to his use of light, shade, colour and tone.
Turner was selected by Britain’s central bank following nominations from the public.
“It’s so amazing that an artist has been chosen for the o20 note and an artist who was a wild maverick,” artist Tracey Emin said at the launch.
Emin — who grew up in Margate — shot to fame when her unmade bed was nominated for the 1999 Turner Prize, Britain’s top award for contemporary visual artists.
“It’s wonderful that Britain’s creative side is being honoured in this way,” she said.
The current o20 note, first issued in 2007, carries a picture of 18th-century economist Adam Smith.
