1 Pound Sterling 1970, Kingdom of Great Britain
| in Banknotes Book | Number: BE78d |
| Years of issue: | 1970 - 02.1978 |
| Edition: | -- |
| Signatures: | Chief Cashier: Mr. John Brangwyn Page (1970 - 1980) |
| Serie: | England |
| Specimen of: | 1970 |
| Material: | Cotton fiber |
| Size (mm): | 151 х 71 |
| Printer: | Bank of England print works, Loughton (Debden), Essex, UK |
* All pictures marked 
are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.
** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.
Description
Watermark:
Repeated images of Britannia with a laurel wreath on her head.
Avers:
HM The Queen Elizabeth II.
This is the first portrait of a monarch to appear on a banknote issued by the Bank of England. It was drawn by Robert Austin, who was responsible for designing the 10-shilling and 1-pound notes of the "C" series of notes issued by the Bank of England. Austin commenced his portrait by obtaining photographs of Her Majesty at a session in Buckingham Palace on 1 May 1956. The photographs were taken by a senior assistant of Dorothy Wilding. However, the final drawing by Austin was not based on a specific photograph from this session, it was a composite of a number of sources. The vignette on the notes shows Her Majesty wearing the George IV State Diadem, Queen Victoria’s Collet Necklace, Queen Mary’s Floret Earrings, and Queen Mary’s Dorset Bow Brooch.
The Coronation Necklace and Earrings are an important set in the Queen's collection not just because of overall diamond weight but, because of historical significance.
The necklace was created for Queen Victoria in 1858 and has been worn by queens for every coronation after Queen Victoria's death, hence the name. It currently has 26 stones: 25 in the necklace itself, plus the 22.48 carat Lahore Diamond as a pendant. It contains diamonds taken from a Garter badge and a ceremonial sword. "From her Majesty's Jewel vault"
The Queen is wearing the George IV State Diadem. Made by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell (and likely designed by their designer, Philip Liebart) in 1820, the diadem features a set of 4 crosses pattée alternating with 4 bouquets of roses, thistles, and shamrocks. The motifs are set on a band of diamond scrollwork between two bands of pearls. Queen Alexandra had the diadem made smaller in 1902, reducing the top band of pearls from 86 to 81, and the bottom band from 94 to 88. The front cross is set with a 4 carat yellow diamond, and the piece features 1,333 diamonds in all. (Sartorial Splendor)
These diamond and platinum earrings are another example of the multiple changes Queen Mary made to her jewels. The large central stones are the Mackinnon diamonds, a pair of solitaire earrings that were a wedding gift from Sir William Mackinnon to Mary for her wedding in 1893.
The stones were then set as the center of another pair, Queen Mary's Cluster Earrings. Later on, they were replaced and a new setting was created by Garrard, Queen Mary's Floret Earrings. In their new setting, each one is surrounded by seven slightly smaller diamonds. The earrings were inherited by the Queen on Queen Mary's death in 1953. She wears them for occasions like the State Opening of Parliament, the Garter Day ceremony, and other formal events. "From her Majesty's Jewel vault"
The Dorset Bow Brooch was a present to Queen Mary for her wedding to the future George V in 1893 from the County of Dorset (unsurprisingly). It’s composed of diamonds set in gold and silver and was made by Carrington & Co.
When it came time to select wedding presents for her granddaughter Princess Elizabeth in 1947, Mary picked several of her own wedding gifts to pass on, this brooch included.
The Queen has quite a collection of bow brooches. Queen Victoria’s Bow Brooches are the basic design used most often for everyday wear, while others like the Dorset Bow are in a fancier category.
In addition to appearances at everyday engagements, it's been worn for notable occasions like the christening of Prince Charles and the funeral of the Duke of Windsor. It is also a popular choice to secure the Queen's poppies at occasions like the annual Remembrance Day ceremony, and is even deemed fancy enough to secure ribands of orders of chivalry for the occasional state event. (From her Majesty's Jewel vault)
The engraving of Austin’s portrait was executed by R. Godbehear of Bradbury Wilkinson and Company. There was widespread criticism of the portrait when the notes were issued.
Denominations in numerals are in lower left and top right corners. In words centered.
Revers:
Britannia (as logo of the Bank of England) is centered. On the right side are stylized patterns.
Denominations in numerals are in lower left and top right corners. In words centered.
Comments:
Engraved portrait made in about 1960.
On banknote have signed Mister John Brangwyn Page.
John Brangwyn Page (died 2 February 2005) was Chief Cashier of the Bank of England for 1970 to 1980. The signature of the Chief Cashier appears on British banknotes. Page was replaced as Chief Cashier by David Somerset.
At the bank, Page advised on the financing of the Channel Tunnel.
John Page was the last Chief Cashier of the Bank of England to undertake fully the far-reaching responsibilities of the post before it was downgraded in the 1980s. As such he was one of the pivotal figures in British and, on occasion, global finance.
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