I went to an event this morning to celebrate the fact that the Bank of England has decided, after a mere 321 years, to put the face of a British visual artist on its £20 note. It has established a grandly named Banknote Character Advisory Committee to decide, but is asking the public to send in recommendations. My vote would go to Sir Joshua Reynolds, of course, but I detected a certain disapproval on the part of Andrew Graham-Dixon that he painted portraits. Blake should be a candidate as a poet artist working in a number of different genres. Graham-Dixon spoke in favour of Constable and Turner. Gwen John, perhaps ? It can’t be David Hockney because he’s still alive.
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
Try and hold the line on Reynolds, but, if not, either Turner or Constable.
Ynigo Jones? The restricted choice reminds one of the dire consequences (at least where the visual arts are concerned) of the English (and Scottish) Reformation…
Meanwhile, on a more positive note, i hope everyone coming to daughter, Olivia’s King’s Place album launch tonight @ 8pm; a few tickets still surprisingly available
Dear Edward, You can propose Inigo Jones ! Charles
I’d like to (hoping his Spanish name don’t disqualify him) but how? Does it mean i get to join yr committee? (though if Andy Graham-Dixon’s on it I may have to reveal the nickname Kitaj used for him in his unpublished diaries…)
Dear Edward, I’m not on the committee ! You send your suggestion in on the Bank of England website as many times as you like. Charles
Hogarth gets my vote
Yes, I thought of him as a possible. Henry Moore ? Charles
Being mischievous I would like to see the forger Tom Keating represented. The idea of a forger on a bank note would be just perfect.
Joan