Published 03/08/2016
To commemorate a dramatic moment in England’s history The Royal Mint issues a new set of coins using Bridgeman licensed image
|
The story of the Great Fire of London has survived for countless centuries, told in classrooms, through popular songs, in the history books, and beyond. These stunning £2 Great Fire of London coins both commemorate the great disaster and celebrate the resilience of the city. For, despite the devastation, London rose from the ashes to become the great city that it is today. Marking 350 years since the Great Fire ravaged London Aaron West, a member of The Royal Mint’s team of expert designers captures the stories of the moments that changed London forever. His inspiration, along with first-hand accounts from popular figures such as Samuel Pepys, and the role played by The Royal Mint’s home at the Tower of London, are all explored in the display folder that houses the £2 coin, using a Bridgeman licensed image of a 17th century woodcut. Produced in association with the Museum of London, one of our represented collections |
Marking 350 years since the Great Fire ravaged London
Aaron West, a member of The Royal Mint’s team of graphic designers, captures the stories of the moment that changed London forever. His inspiration, along with first-hand accounts from popular figures such as Samuel Pepys, and the role played by The Royal Mint’s home at the Tower of London, are all explored in the display folder that houses the £2 coin, using a Bridgeman licensed image of a 17th century woodcut.
|
|
Aaron West is a member of The Royal Mint’s design studio. After achieving a degree in Graphic Design, Aaron worked in retail advertising, graphic design and teaching before taking up a career at The Royal Mint. This is Aaron’s first commemorative UK coin.
“I knew that researching the Great Fire of London wouldn’t be problematic as it’s such a well-known story. The challenge was to create a design that would be original and engage with the audience.
I began with the skyline of London, looking at the modern and old to create the design’s central point, then I tackled the water, scattered with the riverboats that people relied on for safety during the fire. The whole scene is viewed as if from one of these boats, gazing back at the chaos on the shore. Creating the plumes of smoke was tricky. I used a line effect to give the impression of high, thick smoke and I deliberately let the design spill over the border to convey that sense of uncontrollability.
I am very proud to know that I will be a part of history, and having my name on a coin is fantastic. The next challenge will be to find my own design on the coins in my pocket amongst the many millions struck!’