Paper Money Design Winners Announced!

After an incredible response both online and at the exhibition, we are thrilled to announce that the designs featured below have been chosen to represent Bristol on the new Bristol Pound paper money that will enter circulation later this year.

We were astounded by the quantity of incredible artwork submitted to the competition. We had over 300 designs come in, and shortlisted 70 to display in the exhibition. A judging process saw over 2000 people voting online and in person. A panel of judges made up of community leaders and artists including Massive Attack’s Grant Marshall and civil rights activist Paul Stephenson OBE were given the impossible task of choosing the winning 8 designs, taking into account designs that would be workable on small paper money.

We can’t wait to see them on the new money! Keep following our blog for all the latest updates on the launch of the next edition…

Art and Culture

Marta Zubieta – Bristol Creatures

The judges loved both of Marta’s entries and in the end, they decided on an amalgamation of the 2 so that all of their favourite aspects of the designs can be included on the money.  The bold colours and strong imagery of Bristolian symbols are what made this design stand out.

This is Marta’s description of her work:

“The theme of my submissions is mainly Art and Culture, and it is a combination of Bristol icons and emblems. It is called Bristol Creatures, and I have included in it emblematic icons, new and old ones, of our city. You can find an SS Great Britain with the LGBT flag, a confused Goram hunting balloons, or the Bristol Bear (Stokes Croft icon) skating with a ‘we love Bristol’ message in a flag.

The interesting thing about the 2 submissions are 2 halves of a same landscape, so If the notes get printed it could be like a game to find and join these 2 pieces of our amazing city.”

website: www.martazubieta.com

instagram: www.instagram.com/onirical_zubieta/

Stella Holmes, age 13

Stella’s design was a big favourite in the online vote and at the gallery. Circomedia do a lot of great work in the city and the judges thought that it was a great idea to celebrate this on the new money. The judges agreed that the composition of Stella’s work is genius; with it’s gorgeous backdrop of the Avon Gorge, Cabot Tower and the audience in the foreground.

This is what Stella had to say about her design:

“Circus is cool and an important part of Bristol, and I love the idea of seeing trapeze artists flying over the suspension bridge, and fire jugglers and other performers. It would be a great event for Bristol!”

Maritime Heritage

Elaine Greig

This design was chosen because of the variety of activities taking place in the scene. Particularly as Bristol’s historical maritime heritage is depicted alongside modern day sporting activity. The judges also thought that the colours included would give the money an eye-catching look.

Here are Elaine’s words on her piece:

“As a gig rower, I wanted to show the marine traffic we row past every day: The Matthew – replica of the ship that ‘discovered’ America; John King – Avon and Bristol docks towing diesel tug; Bristol Ferries – iconic fleet of community owned boats; Cornish Pilot Gig – brought to Bristol 10 years ago; Slidey-seat rowers – long-established competitive rowing training ground.”

Kiwani Dolean      

The judges loved the contemporary ideas in this design. They agreed that the SS Great Britain elevated into the sky is a powerful image and the writing in the water is a lovely effect.

Here are Kiwani’s description of the piece:

“The ship is elevated in the sky by a delicate wave, almost floating, ready for new adventures. The water is used as a medium to tell the story of the ship, with the aid of words. The sky is pink/red, from the saying used by mariners “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning”. Here I’d like the viewer to decide what that means, it could either be a morning with rain coming or it could be an evening with a sunny day ahead.

Protests and Rebellion

Kesdraws

Kes had two entries in the Protest and Rebellion category. One of the 1831 Queen Square Riot and one of the 1981 St Pauls riot. The judges loved them both but decided to pick the 1831 depiction because of the beautiful way in which the picture is structured and the fact that it shows that Bristol has always had a rebellious side, having a long-standing tradition for standing up for what it believes in.

These are Kes’ words on the two entries:

“The piece is a depiction of the Queen Square riot in 1831 and the St Paul’s riot in 1980. I have chosen to paint pictures of protest because I am interested in what these voices say about people and culture. I have lived in Bristol on and off since 2003 and I have always been fascinated by the sense that Bristol sees itself as unique and different. I looked deeper into these events and movements throughout the history of the city and I found myself wanting to present these images of protest as a vibrant and eye-catching collection, with a focus on movement and chaos.

I am currently working on other Bristol riots that took place in 1753, 1793, 1809 and 2011. I primarily draw these by hand with pencil and then colour them with pigment markers and paint and wood craft markers. These two pieces use this technique. These actual sizes of these pieces is much larger, with the Queen Square at A1.”

Website: www.facebook.com/KESdraws/

Radley Cook – Power in Numbers

Radley’s work was a huge favourite, both in the online vote and at the gallery. The judges agreed that the people depicted with megaphones for faces is a powerful and poignant image. They also loved the way that the location is presented, subtlety giving away the setting of the protest.

Here is Radley’s description of his work:

“My design applies to the rebellion and protest movements theme. ‘Power in Numbers!’ is a piece that attempts to capture Bristol’s unique anti-establishment and egalitarian sentiments. Re-appropriating the protester’s heads with megaphones is a metaphor for the amplification of the voice and coming together to be heard to benefit the wider community.”

Wildlife and Nature

Emma Burleigh– Ashley Vale Allotments

Both of Emma’s entries were very popular both with the public and with the judges. The fact that both images showed important parts of Bristolian community made them strong contenders from the outset. Allotments mean so much to so many people in the city and we’re pleased that they will be depicted on the new money.

Website: www.emmaburleigh.com

Mary Collett – Bristol Fox

The judges loved this image because of the peaceful expression on the fox’s face and wanted to celebrate foxes as a much-loved part of the varied urban wildlife here in Bristol. The balloons are a nice touch, adding some colour and reminding us of Bristol’s ballooning tradition.

Website: https://linoprints.co.uk/

We’d like to say a huge thank you to EVERYONE who submitted their work, it was really humbling to see the amount of enthusiasm for this competition and the sheer creative talent of this city. Thanks also to everyone who visited the gallery and who voted online, we really appreciate all of your contributions.