The Tolkien Society has today written to the Bank of England to suggest that J.R.R. Tolkien should feature on a future bank note.
In a letter to Victoria Cleland, Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, the Society noted that “The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have sold 100 million and 150 million copies respectively, making Tolkien one of the best-selling authors of the 20th Century. The impact on our modern culture is hard to understate”, and argued that Tolkien should feature alongside other authors who have also featured on bank notes: Austen, Dickens and Shakespeare.
The Society stressed to the Bank that not only was Tolkien the “Author of the Century” and the “Father of Modern Fantasy”, he was also a gifted poet, artist and philologist. His academic works continue to have impact to this day.
The Bank of England is currently holding a consultation on the themes for new bank notes. Their proposed themes are: notable historical figures; architecture and landmarks; arts, culture and sport; noteworthy events in history; innovation; and nature.
“This is a unique opportunity to honour Tolkien. His life. His works. His inspiration. His impact. And imagine the pride the city of Birmingham would have knowing that one of their own is commemorated in this way.” – Shaun Gunner, CEO of The Tolkien Society
In the letter, the Society particularly stressed the connection with the English countryside and Sarehole Mill: “When looking at Tolkien’s fantastical world it is easy to believe that this is all make-believe. But there are glimpses of the English countryside in Middle-earth, most notably the land and nature around Sarehole Mill in modern-day Birmingham which inspired Tolkien’s vision of The Shire. A banknote featuring Tolkien and Birmingham would bring pride and joy to the residents of the city, and help proudly display our cultural heritage to both residents and visitors.”
Tolkien has previously been honoured on both coins and stamps in the UK and across the world. The Society offered its support to the Bank of England should it take up the idea, and concluded by saying that J.R.R. Tolkien “is an author we should all be proud of, and a fitting commemoration of him – and his works that typify ‘Britishness’ – would be his appearance on a future bank note.”
