Would you put Wallace and Gromit, David Bowie or a pint of Guinness a bank note?

The Bank of England used to pay designers to come up with new bank note designs. But maybe they do not trust AI (yet), so instead they have turned to the only group even less predictable: the great British public. What could possibly go wrong?

There are a few suggested themes: notable historical figures, nature, architecture and landmarks, arts, culture and sport, major milestones, and innovation. The main rule? Any person featured must be fictional or deceased.

Cartoon bank notes? I doubt Disney would license Mickey Mouse, which would have been funny but does not exactly scream Britain. Wallace and Gromit feel more likely, perhaps with Feathers McGraw pinching the cash.

Musical icon bank notes? We will be waiting a while for the final two to leave us before the Fab Four become eligible. David Bowie, though, has been gone for some time, and a Ziggy Stardust note would be stunning. Big picture of Mars on the back, obviously. Maybe a Laughing Gnome instead of the Royal portrait.

Spending-themed bank notes? Imagine notes printed with pictures of what you are about to buy. I would suggest a pint of Guinness. A pint for a pint has a certain charm (and it might actually be £10 a pint soon).

So, what would you put on a redesigned bank note?

Respond with your suggestions or enter them here on the original LinkedIn post >>

And in case you have not heard the Boaty McBoatface story: in 2016, the public was asked to name a new research vessel. True to British humour, Boaty McBoatface won by a mile. In the end, they named the main ship the RRS Sir David Attenborough instead, and gave the name Boaty McBoatface to one of its smaller submersibles. Proof that letting the public decide can be both brilliant and slightly mad.