JMW Turner, one of Britain’s most influential artists ever, will appear on the next £20 banknote due to be issued by 2020.
During its selection process, the Bank received 29,701 nominations covering 590 eligible characters, before opting for the celebrated 18th century artist.
Commenting on the decision, Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, said: “I am delighted to announce that JMW Turner has been chosen to appear on the next £20 note.
"Turner is perhaps the single most influential British artist of all time. His work was transformative, bridging the classical and modern worlds. His influence spanned his lifetime and is still apparent today.”
The design on the reverse of the note will include: Turner’s self-portrait, painted circa 1799 and currently on display in the Tate Britain; one of his 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; the quote “Light is therefore colour” from an 1818 lecture by Turner referring to his innovative use of light, shade, colour and tone in his pictures; and the signature from his will, the document with which he bequeathed many of his paintings to the nation.
The new £20 note will enter circulation by 2020 and, as with the next £5 and £10 notes, will be printed on polymer. The new polymer £5 note will be unveiled at Blenheim Palace on June 2, 2016, and enter circulation in September.
