Reconstructing value

In a striking collaboration for London Design Festival, the Bank of England Museum, Plasticiet, and Surface Matter unveil a sculptural installation with a powerful message: how we redefine value through design. The work, supported by the Cheapside Alliance, transforms £2.5 million of reclaimed and recycled British banknotes into bespoke furniture pieces, displayed in the historic Stock Office of the Bank of England Museum, bridging heritage and innovation.

What happens when money loses its worth? This installation highlights the journey of banknotes removed from circulation, shredded and reconstructed into architectural and symbolic forms. Further highlighting how design reimagines value; from financial permanence to material transformation.

Drawing inspiration from the neoclassical and baroque architecture of the Bank, the curved pieces are monumental yet playful. They highlight the raw beauty of reconstituted material, opening a dialogue between past and present. 

The exhibition complements the Building of the Bank exhibition, which explores the evolution of the Bank of England’s design, from Sir John Soane’s original architecture to its present-day structure and materials.

Alongside the installation, curated material boards a curated series of material palettes, showcase how recycled surfaces can appreciate tradition while shaping the future of sustainable design. These recycled surfaces reinterpret the colour, texture and materiality of the bank’s historic interiors; from roman mosaic tiles and Portland stone, to timber joinery, patinated brass and bronze detailing and alongside palettes referencing the colours of British banknotes.

Visitors can join us for an inspiring lunchtime material session curated by Surface Matter exploring the innovative use of reclaimed, recycled, and reimagined materials in design.

A chance to explore curated displays of pioneering recycled materials, showcasing a wide range of design possibilities with surfaces made from recycled waste. Through these examples, delve into the collaborative processes that make circular design possible, highlighting how discarded materials can be given new life through craftsmanship and innovation.

Whether you're looking to expand your material knowledge or stay at the forefront of sustainable practice, this session will inform, inspire, and challenge how you think about waste and its potential in design.

Press enquiries contact us - download the press release and hi res images.