Fellows of the Royal Society featured on new £50 banknote

The Bank of England has announced that it will introduce a new-style £50 banknote featuring two Fellows of the Royal Society into circulation on 2 November 2011.

The Bank of England has announced that it will introduce a new-style £50 banknote featuring two Fellows of the Royal Society into circulation on 2 November 2011.The note will feature the renowned 18th century business partnership of entrepreneur Matthew Boulton and engineer James Watt. The Boulton and Watt £50 banknote marks the first time two portraits have appeared together on the back of a Bank of England banknote.

Commenting on the new banknote, Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society said:

“It is wonderful to see two Fellows of the Royal Society celebrated in this way. Science and engineering have long driven improvements in our knowledge and in our day to day lives. At a time when the UK is trying to rebalance its economy, Watt and Boulton are also a reminder of how science and engineering can be the basis of economic growth for the UK.”