Medium: Micro-Engraving on a £20 Note
Presentation: Bespoke Wooden Display Case with Integrated Magnifying Glass and Lighting System (Prototype Shown)
This finely executed micro‑engraving pays tribute to Porsche, a marque celebrated for its precision engineering, unmistakable silhouette, and enduring legacy in both road and racing performance. Engraved entirely by hand onto the surface of a genuine £20 note, the artwork captures the iconic profile of a classic Porsche 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 German automotive 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 distinctive curves of the Porsche bodywork, the sloping rear, 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 executed micro‑engraving pays tribute to Porsche, a marque celebrated for its precision engineering, unmistakable silhouette, and enduring legacy in both road and racing performance. Engraved entirely by hand onto the surface of a genuine £20 note, the artwork captures the iconic profile of a classic Porsche 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 German automotive 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 distinctive curves of the Porsche bodywork, the sloping rear, 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.
