The UK Pound Will Get A New Look To Reflect Nation’s Heritage & Culture

At this week’s reception at the Royal College of Art’s, UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that promising artist Michael Armitage will design the nation’s new £1 coin to celebrate its “culture, creativity, and heritage and history.” 

Armitage, who was born to a Yorkshireman and a Kikukyu mother, had spent his adolescent years in East Africa before returning to Britain as an artist, and draws from both parts of his heritage to produce works that weave together past and current events, mythology, popular culture, and historical references. 

He was handpicked by the Chancellor after being reviewed by an independent panel on coin design and art, who had also assessed numerous proposals by other candidates. 

Armitage’s work will be displayed on the tail side of the coin.

“It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Royal Mint on the design of the new £1 coin,” said Armitage. 

“The £1 coin is a symbol of Britain that is recognized around the world… It is the first new £1 design since 2017 and will combine our 1,100 years of craftsmanship, with cutting edge design to champion modern Britain,” added Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive of the Royal Mint. 

The newly-designed coin will begin circulating in 2023.

[via Artnet News and HM Treasury, cover image via Sedovukr | Dreamstime.com]