Summary

One of a souvenir set of four Bristol Pounds, uncirculated, first print edition, issued in September 2012, by the Bristol Pound Community Interest Company (CIC). Expires September 30, 2015.

The Bristol Pound is an alternative currency, developed to boost the local economy of Bristol, England. Local businesses can sign up to the scheme. As well as using paper money, customers can open electronic accounts. The bank notes are not legal tender and are legally considered to be vouchers. Other British alternative currencies were used in Brixton, Lewes, Stroud and Totnes.

The bank notes were used in designs by local artists, with local content. The Bristol Pound website states: 'Each of the designs captures something of Bristol's character, celebrating its commitment to greener living, its cultural diversity, its creative spirit and its technological heritage.' The symbol for the Bristol Pound resembles a Pound Sterling symbol converted into the letter B.

The 10 Bristol Pound note features 'Houses' by Bristol artist Matt Price, and 'Hannah More & Bristol Old Vic' conceived by Anthea Page and designed by Juraj Prodaj.

Physical Description

Printed paper note in with two security features as part of the design. The colours are predominantly orange.

Obverse Description

Main design features portrait of Hannah More, with the Bristol Old Vic theatre in the background.Two security features are superimposed on the design, in the shape of a round Bristol Pound symbol and the head of a rooster crowing. In the left margin , 10 /TEN /BRISTOL/ POUNDS, issuing details, serial number, expiry date, People of Bristol in script, pink Bristol Pound symbol with MONEY THAT STAYS IN BRISTOL around; gold and white box with serial number.On right margin , OLD VIC ILLUSTRATION BY JURAJ PRODAJ/HANNAH MORE IMAGE SUGGESTED BY / ANTHEA PAGE. Beneath main image, HANNAH MORE (1745-1833):POET, PLAYWRIGHT AND ANTI-SLAVERY CAMPAIGNER.

Reverse Description

'Houses' , a painting of houses with facades painted as national flags of many nations., with stylized stairs, trees, roads, and a river. In the left margin , 10 /TEN/BRISTOL/ POUNDS, and People of Bristol in script. At right , faint orange lines with phrases in tiny lettering OUR CITY OUR MONEY OUR FUTURE/ UNDERSTANDING THE NEED FOR CHANGE/ NURTURING GREEN OPEN SPACES. On right margin, ARTWORK CONTRIBUTED BY MATTHEW PRICE.

Significance

Community or alternative currencies are not a new idea. Other British cities and overseas cities have produced them. The Bristol Pound has been promoted using social media, and even has an online shop. The intention of the currency is to promote local business, and to maintain the diversity and identity of the city. There is a desire for autonomy in the context of the economic downturn in Britain and the Eurozone generally. Two of the notes commemorate Hannah More, an anti-slavery campaigner.

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