Medium: Micro-Engraving on a £20 Note
Presentation: Bespoke Wooden Display Case with Integrated Magnifying Glass and Lighting System (Prototype Shown)
This finely detailed micro‑engraving pays tribute to McLaren, a marque defined by its pioneering engineering, aerodynamic innovation, and unmistakable racing heritage. Engraved entirely by hand onto the surface of a genuine £20 note, the artwork captures the sleek silhouette of a McLaren sports car 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 British performance engineering and design excellence.
Working on banknote fibres is one of the most technically demanding surfaces in miniature art. The material is textured, delicate, and highly absorbent, requiring exceptional 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 McLaren bodywork, the sharp 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 finely detailed micro‑engraving pays tribute to McLaren, a marque defined by its pioneering engineering, aerodynamic innovation, and unmistakable racing heritage. Engraved entirely by hand onto the surface of a genuine £20 note, the artwork captures the sleek silhouette of a McLaren sports car 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 British performance engineering and design excellence.
Working on banknote fibres is one of the most technically demanding surfaces in miniature art. The material is textured, delicate, and highly absorbent, requiring exceptional 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 McLaren bodywork, the sharp 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.
