Medium: Micro-Engraving on a £20 Note
Presentation: Bespoke Wooden Display Case with Integrated Magnifying Glass and Lighting System (Prototype Shown)
This micro‑engraving of Banksy’s iconic Girl With Balloon showcases Graham Short’s ability to merge contemporary culture with the extraordinary precision of miniature art. Hand‑engraved directly onto a genuine UK £20 note, the artwork is so small it is almost invisible to the naked eye, revealing its detail only when viewed through magnification.
Working on a banknote presents a unique technical challenge. Its fine fibres, flexibility, and sensitivity to pressure require an exceptionally controlled approach. Using ultra‑fine needles and working under high magnification, Short spent months engraving the piece, adapting his tools and techniques to ensure each microscopic mark remained crisp and stable on the delicate surface.
The engraving captures the essence of Banksy’s original image, the girl reaching toward a drifting balloon, but reimagined at a scale measured in microns. Short uses a combination of fine cuts and controlled stippling to build form and shadow, creating a miniature interpretation that feels both delicate and striking.
To present the piece as intended, the engraved £20 note is mounted in a bespoke wooden display case designed specifically for this work. A precision‑fitted magnifying glass is integrated into the case, allowing viewers to discover the engraving in perfect clarity. A lighting system illuminates the surface from the ideal angle, enhancing visibility and revealing the subtle textures carved into the note.
Medium: Micro-Engraving on a £20 Note
Presentation: Bespoke Wooden Display Case with Integrated Magnifying Glass and Lighting System (Prototype Shown)
This micro‑engraving of Banksy’s iconic Girl With Balloon showcases Graham Short’s ability to merge contemporary culture with the extraordinary precision of miniature art. Hand‑engraved directly onto a genuine UK £20 note, the artwork is so small it is almost invisible to the naked eye, revealing its detail only when viewed through magnification.
Working on a banknote presents a unique technical challenge. Its fine fibres, flexibility, and sensitivity to pressure require an exceptionally controlled approach. Using ultra‑fine needles and working under high magnification, Short spent months engraving the piece, adapting his tools and techniques to ensure each microscopic mark remained crisp and stable on the delicate surface.
The engraving captures the essence of Banksy’s original image, the girl reaching toward a drifting balloon, but reimagined at a scale measured in microns. Short uses a combination of fine cuts and controlled stippling to build form and shadow, creating a miniature interpretation that feels both delicate and striking.
To present the piece as intended, the engraved £20 note is mounted in a bespoke wooden display case designed specifically for this work. A precision‑fitted magnifying glass is integrated into the case, allowing viewers to discover the engraving in perfect clarity. A lighting system illuminates the surface from the ideal angle, enhancing visibility and revealing the subtle textures carved into the note.
