Medium: Micro-Engraving on a £20 Note
Presentation: Bespoke Wooden Display Case with Integrated Magnifying Glass and Lighting System (Prototype Shown)
This striking micro‑engraving pays tribute to Ferrari, a marque celebrated worldwide for its engineering brilliance, racing heritage, and unmistakable design language. Engraved entirely by hand onto the surface of a genuine £20 note, the artwork features the iconic Ferrari silhouette at a scale almost invisible to the naked eye. Only under magnification does the engraving reveal itself, transforming a familiar banknote into a hidden celebration of speed, precision, and Italian automotive artistry.
Working on banknote fibres is one of the most technically demanding surfaces in miniature art. The material is textured, delicate, and highly absorbent, requiring extraordinary control to avoid tearing or distortion. Under extreme magnification, Graham Short uses ultra‑fine needles and custom‑engineered tools to carve each microscopic line with near‑motionless accuracy. The aerodynamic curves of the Ferrari bodywork, the crisp geometry of the headlights, and the subtle shaping of the panels must all be formed one microscopic cut at a time.
To present the artwork as intended, the engraved £20 note is housed in a bespoke wooden display case designed specifically for this series. The prototype includes a precision‑fitted magnifying glass and an adjustable lighting system, allowing viewers to explore the engraving in perfect clarity. The warm wood, integrated optics, and soft illumination create a museum‑grade presentation that honours both the subject and the craftsmanship.
Medium: Micro-Engraving on a £20 Note
Presentation: Bespoke Wooden Display Case with Integrated Magnifying Glass and Lighting System (Prototype Shown)
This striking micro‑engraving pays tribute to Ferrari, a marque celebrated worldwide for its engineering brilliance, racing heritage, and unmistakable design language. Engraved entirely by hand onto the surface of a genuine £20 note, the artwork features the iconic Ferrari silhouette at a scale almost invisible to the naked eye. Only under magnification does the engraving reveal itself, transforming a familiar banknote into a hidden celebration of speed, precision, and Italian automotive artistry.
Working on banknote fibres is one of the most technically demanding surfaces in miniature art. The material is textured, delicate, and highly absorbent, requiring extraordinary control to avoid tearing or distortion. Under extreme magnification, Graham Short uses ultra‑fine needles and custom‑engineered tools to carve each microscopic line with near‑motionless accuracy. The aerodynamic curves of the Ferrari bodywork, the crisp geometry of the headlights, and the subtle shaping of the panels must all be formed one microscopic cut at a time.
To present the artwork as intended, the engraved £20 note is housed in a bespoke wooden display case designed specifically for this series. The prototype includes a precision‑fitted magnifying glass and an adjustable lighting system, allowing viewers to explore the engraving in perfect clarity. The warm wood, integrated optics, and soft illumination create a museum‑grade presentation that honours both the subject and the craftsmanship.
