Designers Transform £2.5 Million Banknotes into Artful Benches

The Bank of England Museum is showcasing a unique installation titled “Reconstructing Value” during the London Design Festival, where £2.5 million worth of withdrawn British banknotes have been transformed into sculptural benches. This collaborative project involves designer Saskia Boersma, the Surface Matter collective, and the material studio Plasticiet, and aims to challenge perceptions of value while highlighting sustainability.

The innovative process begins with the extraction of old banknotes from circulation. After being shredded, the paper fibers are reconstituted using a proprietary plasticiser that binds the material, preserving its texture. The final sheets maintain the banknotes’ iconic colors and intricate security patterns, resulting in benches that embody a recognizable yet abstract financial language.

Design and Functionality Intertwined

Each bench features a curved design that, when viewed from above, outlines the pound symbol (£). This artistic choice transforms the act of sitting into a visual reminder of monetary flow, effectively blending functionality with public art. The benches are housed in the museum’s historic Stock Room, a space traditionally used for vaults and ledgers, now redefined as a social interactive area.

The installation doesn’t just focus on aesthetics; it also addresses the environmental concerns associated with paper waste. By repurposing millions of pounds of banknote paper, this project exemplifies a circular economy where discarded currency finds new life as design material. The low-impact polymer used by Plasticiet ensures durability while offering a tactile softness that invites users to linger.

Engaging the Public and Promoting Sustainability

Visitors to the museum can engage with the benches as part of a broader narrative that includes lunchtime talks and curated material displays. Surface Matter has created a series of recycled surface palettes, showcasing sustainable textures inspired by the bank’s historic color schemes. These discussions encourage participants to rethink how value can be reimagined through material selection and inspire them to consider how everyday objects might be repurposed in their own work.

In a city where traditional institutions often resist change, this project highlights the potential of heritage as a foundation for innovative design. By converting decommissioned currency into public seating, Saskia Boersma, Surface Matter, and Plasticiet not only breathe new life into discarded paper but also spark essential conversations about sustainability and economics. The benches serve as a poignant reminder that value is not static; it can be reshaped and redefined through creativity and thoughtful design.