Yorkshire God's Country

Yorkshire Bank has introduced a debit card for private banking clients decorated with an original painting by landscape artist and Yorkshireman Ashley Jackson to commemorate its 150th anniversary.

Yorkshire Bank believes that this is the first time an original painting has been reproduced in this way. The card, which features Jackson's watercolour 'Earth to Earth, life's pathway', was unveiled at an event in York on Wednesday September 30th 2009.

Ashley said providing art for the debit card met his ambitions to raise the profile of art among different people. He added: “Customers will genuinely have a piece of Yorkshire in their pocket – representing Yorkshire and art wherever they use the card, be it New York, London or Newcastle.”

He said: "The greatest thing about it is Yorkshire, the county of Yorkshire, has helped me to where I am today." The painting chosen for the card is of Cut Gate, Langsett Moor. The original measures 3ft by 4ft and was painted by Ashley on the largest watercolour paper available.As well as the painting being used on the new cards, limited prints of the painting will be auctioned to raise funds for charity Help the Hospices.

Dean Cutbill, director for Yorkshire Bank added: "It's a pleasure to have Ashley on board to celebrate our 150th anniversary.
"He has been an inspiration to people in Yorkshire during his career"
 
In 2011 the card won best design category at the Card and Payments Awards.