Medium: Micro-Engraving on a £20 Note
Presentation: Bespoke Wooden Display Case with Integrated Magnifying Glass and Lighting System (Prototype Shown)
This powerful micro‑engraving pays tribute to Rosa Parks, one of the most influential figures in the civil rights movement. Engraved entirely by hand onto the surface of a genuine £20 note, the artwork features Parks’ portrait and identifying number at a scale almost invisible to the naked eye. Only when viewed through the integrated magnifying system does the engraving reveal itself, a hidden homage to courage, dignity, and the fight for equality.
Working on banknote fibres presents a unique technical challenge. The surface is delicate, textured, and highly absorbent, requiring extraordinary control to avoid tearing or distortion. Using ultra‑fine needles and working under extreme magnification, Graham Short carves each microscopic line with near‑motionless precision. The portrait, from the contours of the face to the subtle shaping of the hair and clothing, is built one microscopic cut at a time, demanding patience, discipline, and absolute steadiness.
Short’s famously rigorous working methods underpin the creation of this piece: late‑night sessions when vibrations are minimal, controlled breathing, and pulse‑slowing techniques that allow him to engrave at a level measured in microns. The result is a portrait that captures both the strength and quiet resolve that defined Rosa Parks’ legacy.
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 experience 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 powerful micro‑engraving pays tribute to Rosa Parks, one of the most influential figures in the civil rights movement. Engraved entirely by hand onto the surface of a genuine £20 note, the artwork features Parks’ portrait and identifying number at a scale almost invisible to the naked eye. Only when viewed through the integrated magnifying system does the engraving reveal itself, a hidden homage to courage, dignity, and the fight for equality.
Working on banknote fibres presents a unique technical challenge. The surface is delicate, textured, and highly absorbent, requiring extraordinary control to avoid tearing or distortion. Using ultra‑fine needles and working under extreme magnification, Graham Short carves each microscopic line with near‑motionless precision. The portrait, from the contours of the face to the subtle shaping of the hair and clothing, is built one microscopic cut at a time, demanding patience, discipline, and absolute steadiness.
Short’s famously rigorous working methods underpin the creation of this piece: late‑night sessions when vibrations are minimal, controlled breathing, and pulse‑slowing techniques that allow him to engrave at a level measured in microns. The result is a portrait that captures both the strength and quiet resolve that defined Rosa Parks’ legacy.
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 experience 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.
