British Bank Notes are Copyrighted, and it's an Artist's Fault | Curator's Corner S7 Ep3

What would happen if you made drawings of money and started using them to pay for everyday things? This is exactly what one artist attempted to do in the mid-1980s. An American named J.S.G. Boggs alighted upon the idea that he could literally draw his own banknotes and use them for everyday purchases. His alleged nefarious activities soon drew the attention of the press and the authorities, including the Bank of England, resulting in a private prosecution at the Old Bailey in London.

But how did his art end up at the British Museum? And what could the bank do to ensure that other artists couldn't reproduce banknotes in the future?

#BoggsInTheBritishMuseum #FlushWithCash #BoggsStandard

Images of 'Boggs in London' are courtesy of Craig Whitford.

CONTENT WARNING: We had to put a specimen mark over the modern bank note to avoid trademark infringement. We blame Boggs.