Harry Eccleston facts for kids

Harry Norman Eccleston, also known as H. N. Eccleston, was a talented artist from England. He was born on January 21, 1923, and passed away on April 30, 2010. What made him special was that he was the very first full-time artist and designer of banknotes for the Bank of England. This means he designed the money we use!

Becoming an Artist

Harry Eccleston studied art at several schools. He first went to Bilston School of Art. In 1939, he attended the Birmingham College of Art. Later, after serving in the Royal Navy during World War II, he continued his studies at the famous Royal College of Art.

His Connection to the Black Country

Even though Harry lived in London, he always remembered his hometown area. This region is known as the Black Country in England. He created many paintings and special prints called etchings. These artworks showed the industrial landscapes of the area. He also drew pictures of the people and the big steelworks he remembered from his childhood.

A Precise Artist

Harry Eccleston was a perfectionist. His drawings were very exact and detailed. People said he was "one of the finest engravers of his day." An engraver is someone who carves designs onto metal plates. These plates are then used to print images.

Designing Banknotes

In 1958, Harry Eccleston joined the Bank of England. He was their first artist who worked only for them. His main job was to design banknotes.

The "D" Series Banknotes

Harry Eccleston designed the "D" series of British banknotes. These were the first British notes to feature pictures on them. Each note showed Queen Elizabeth II on one side. On the other side, there was a famous British person.

• The £1 note featured Isaac Newton, a famous scientist.
• The £5 note showed the Duke of Wellington, a military hero.
• The £10 note had Florence Nightingale, a pioneering nurse.
• The £20 note featured William Shakespeare, a world-famous writer.
• The £50 note displayed Christopher Wren, a famous architect.

These banknotes were first used in 1970. They were in circulation until 1981. Harry Eccleston retired from the Bank of England in 1983.

Awards and Recognition

Harry Eccleston received special honors for his work.

• In 1979, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This is a high award given by the British monarch.
• In 2003, he received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Wolverhampton. This award recognized his important contributions to banknote design and printmaking.
• He was also chosen as a member of the Royal West of England Academy. He became an Honorary Member of the RBSA (Royal Birmingham Society of Artists).

Where to See His Art

You can find examples of Harry Eccleston's artwork in public collections. Some of these include the Black Country Living Museum and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.