Tolkien society suggests author for new banknotes

The society said that was "a unique opportunity" to honour JRR Tolkien and his works

The Tolkien Society has written to the Bank of England to suggest that JRR Tolkien should feature on a future banknote.

The charity, based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, wrote to the chief cashier Victoria Cleland to highlight his impact on modern culture and argued he should feature like other writers who previously had, such as Jane Austen and William Shakespeare.

On its website, the Bank of England said the consultation on banknote themes is now closed and the responses were being considered.

The Tolkien Society chief executive, Shaun Gunner, said it was "a unique opportunity" to honour the Lord of the Rings creator.

The author's works have previously been honoured with coins and stamps, such as this one drawn by Christopher Tolkien depicting a map of areas from Middle-earth

The society said Tolkien was not only the "Author of the Century" but also "a gifted poet, artist and philologist" whose academic works "continue to have impact to this day".

He grew up in Birmingham, with the city and his surroundings greatly influencing his writing.

But he later studied at Exeter College in Oxford and became a University of Oxford professor.

"The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have sold 100 million and 150 million copies respectively, making Tolkien one of the best-selling authors of the 20th Century," a letter from the society read.

Mr Gunner added: "This is a unique opportunity to honour Tolkien. His life. His works. His inspiration. His impact.

"And imagine the pride the city of Birmingham would have knowing that one of their own is commemorated in this way."

Tolkien has previously been honoured on both coins and stamps in the UK and across the world.

The Bank of England said among its six potential themes for the next series of banknotes are notable historical figures and arts, culture and sport.

It recently received a high volume of ideas from young people.