Designers, artists and creative agencies were initially invited to submit artwork for the new notes – their first redesign since the 1990s – in October, and 26 submissions were received.
Those submissions were gradually whittled down, and the final two designs, including a joint collaboration between textile artist Hayley Mallett and photographer Rachael de la Mare, and a separate design by artist Natasha K He, will now be finalised before being handed over to currency specialists De La Rue to develop the new notes.
The designs are being kept under wraps while this process takes place.
Miss de La Mare said her collaboration with Ms Mallett came about when Ms Mallett asked if she could use one of the photographs she had taken for her submission.
‘We’ve worked together – with photos by me that have then been beautifully worked by Hayley in thread and bead – to create designs for the banknotes that are examples of the islands’ nature that we hope will bring a sense of pride and joy in our Bailiwick.’
Ms Mallett said the duo’s design, which will be on the front of the banknotes, aimed to capture the essence of Guernsey’s natural beauty, with flora and fauna set to feature prominently.
‘By blending photography and mixed media, we’re creating a collection that reflects the island’s rich landscape, while adding our own unique creative spin. We can’t wait to reveal more soon.’
Miss He, who moved to Guernsey in November 2022, said she had taken inspiration from the island’s granite rock in her work.
‘Through my designs, I sincerely aim to let the world know about and appreciate this beautiful island,’ she said.
‘Drawing on my background in urban design and architecture, I approached this design from a fresh perspective.
‘The layout is asymmetrical, promoting free movement and energy, while Guernsey granite texturing was incorporated into the designs for consistency.’
The new family of notes will include £1, £5, £10 and £20 notes.
A £50 will also be designed but may not be put into production, given its current limited usage.
States treasurer Bethan Haines, who is overseeing the project to introduce the new notes, said they would be polymer-based, meaning the eventual end of paper notes in circulation.
She said paper notes would be accepted for a time after the polymer notes were introduced, but added the States would encourage islanders to hand in their paper notes soon after the new notes came out.
‘It’s important to get the paper notes in quickly to prevent confusion,’ she said.
In terms of a timeline, she said the artists’ designs would be sent to De La Rue at the end of April, and the rest of the year would be spent designing the notes and adding small details and security features to them.
She said the new notes would be put into production in February next year, before going into circulation early in 2027.
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