Artwork designed by Hayley Mallett, Rachael de la Mare, and Natasha K.HE. will feature on the new Guernsey bank notes.
Their designs were chosen out of 26 submissions entered in a competition launched last year.
Ms Mallett and Ms de la Mare collaborated on their submission which will now go on the front of the new-look notes, while Ms K.HE’s designs will go on the back.
Having both grown up in Guernsey, Ms Mallett and Ms de la Mare’s designs focus on the flora and fauna, “evoking the sights, smells, and tastes of home”.
“I am a true Guernsey girl and have always been proud of my island’s beauty,” said Ms Mallett. “When this opportunity arose, I saw it as a chance to challenge myself creatively while creating designs that would be enjoyed by both future generations and visitors to Guernsey. It felt like the perfect opportunity to leave a lasting impression and a dream come true.
“Without giving too much away, our designs are rooted in the idea of capturing the essence of Guernsey’s natural beauty. 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!”
Ms Mallett used one of Ms de la Mare’s photographs in the design.
Ms de la Mare said she is very proud to be involved.
“’I often say that I owe my name, my height and a lot of who I am to being – very proudly – a Guernsey girl. Coming from Guernsey shapes who you are, and I’m so grateful for the love of being outside, the coast, community, family, culture, and shared history that growing up on the island gives.
“Hayley contacted me about using one of my photographs for her submission and the idea of a collaboration came into being. 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 bank notes that are examples of the islands’ nature that we hope bring a sense of pride and joy in our Bailiwick, something we feel strongly!”
Ms K.HE moved to Guernsey a couple of years ago and said the island has “won her heart”. She has tried to draw attention to Guernsey’s iconic structures and natural landscape through her winning design.
“Before 2022, I lived in cosmopolitan and metropolitan cities: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Guiyang, Paris, and Manchester,” she explained. “In November 2022, I was presented with two great options. One was to continue my career in Urban Design and Architecture at an international firm in Rotterdam, the other was to explore a new opportunity in Guernsey, a quintessential island I had never been to. I am thrilled to have chosen Guernsey, as it has won my heart and inspired my creative vision. Guernsey has given me so much.
“I joined the competition to tell a story about the magical ‘Granite Rock’ in the Channel Islands. Through my designs, I sincerely aim to let the world know about and appreciate this beautiful island. Drawing on my background in Urban Design and Architecture, I approached the designs from a fresh perspective. The layout is asymmetrical, promoting free movement and energy. Guernsey granite texturing was incorporated into the designs for consistency.”
The new notes are due to be in circulation from 2027, with the designs kept under wraps for now while the overall look is being finished.
In the next couple of months, the prototypes will be handed over to currency specialists, De La Rue, to develop the new notes.
De La Rue was founded by Guernseyman Thomas De La Rue who lived from 1793 to 1866.
The pub in town is named after him, but his family home was at Le Bourg in the Forest, and although he worked for printers in the island during the early part of his career, he made his name after moving to London in 1816.
Guernsey’s new look money will be printed in £1, £5, £10, and £20 notes. A £50 will also be designed but may not be put into production given the current limited usage of this denomination.
The project is being overseen by the States Treasurer, Bethan Haines, who has responsibility for issuing Guernsey’s currency and ensuring there are sufficient stocks for local circulation requirements.
“Having our own bank notes is just one of the many things that makes Guernsey unique, often piquing the interest of the visitors we welcome to our shores each year.
“We’ve had a fantastic response to this opportunity to shape our currency for years to come. There were many really impressive designs showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists in the Bailiwick.
“We really want to thank everyone who participated in this exciting project, but we particularly want to congratulate Hayley, Rachael and Natasha for their amazing designs which we think will become unique banknotes capturing the essence of the islands.”