Catalogue Number
NMLH.2021.113
Object Name
Banknote
Date
2016
Description
- This is a fake bank note made of paper made by a pro-EU group in Bath. The note is a fake version of the British £50 note. The back of the note says "BREXIT IS A BACKWARD STEP. The threat of Brexit has already caused huge damage to our society and our economy. We believe our future lies at the heart of Europe. That's why we're campaigning to Remain in the EU. To find out more visit our website, sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on social medi. www.bathforeurope.com. Twitter: @BathforEurope Facebook: Bath for Europe."
- Front of note has £50 printed on the top left. The note has a photo of Jacob Rees Mogg on the right. The background of the note uses Hogarth's 1751 painting called "gin lane." The painting represents the 'ills' of society, and uncontrolled production of alcohol. The painting is a satire, commenting on poverty, greed, starvation, and madness. These banknotes were designed as a campaigning tool to engage people visually and with humour - over 25,000 had been handed out at anti-brexit rallies.
The notes have a variety of satirical comments and words. The top of the note says "imperial bank of Brexit." As well as "From the many to the few." "I promise to pay myself more than you." "Food banks." "For the privileged few." And a fake latin slogan saying "arrogantus toffo Pasterium" and "Superium pompposi prattus." The bottom of the note says "Johnsun, Goofe, and Rees Mugg of the Imperial Bank of Brexit June 2016." These notes have been featured in news articles, as they were on display at the British Museum.
The notes were produced by Bath for Europe and had been handed out at many anti-brexit rallies. The EU referendum took place in June 2016, to decide whether Britain should remain part of the EU. The largest remain group was Britain Stronger in Europe. The referendum result ended up with the U.K leaving the EU, with a 51.9% vote in favour of leaving, Leave EU was endorsed by many politicans, including Nigel Farage, Conservative Party Eurosceptics such as Michael Gove and Boris Johnson. Some of Leave EU's main points and arguments were taking back sovereignty, anti-immigration, and the promose for economic strength and more money for the NHS. Voting in favour of Brexit was seen as an anti-establishment vote by some. The pro-EU groups and Bath for Europe campaigned to stay in the European Union because of several reasons - better for climate change policy, ideas of freedom and democracy, free movement, pro-migration, attracting investment to the UK, and economic strength.
