The new £20 note featuring celebrated artist JMW Turner comes into circulation today.

A large see-through window with a blue and gold foil depicts the Turner Contemporary and Margate lighthouse, among other elements associated with the painter.

The gallery by the sea is the first contemporary building to feature on a UK banknote.

Victoria Pomery, director of the Turner Contemporary, said: "“We are thrilled to feature on the new £20 note which centres on Turner Contemporary’s namesake, JMW Turner (1775 – 1851), who was a regular visitor to Margate in his lifetime.

"Turner’s legacy runs through everything we do – from our architecture, to our world-class programme of contemporary and historical exhibitions to our work with children and young people.

"Being featured on the new £20 note is a truly exceptional moment in our journey. Placing JMW Turner at the heart of this celebrates the vital role that arts and creativity play in our lives.”

The new note was launched last October at the gallery, with Bank of England governor Mark Carney revealing the design.

He said: "Our banknotes celebrate the UK’s heritage, salute its culture, and testify to the achievements of its most notable individuals. And so it is with the new £20 banknote, featuring JMW Turner, launched today at Turner Contemporary in Margate.

"Turner’s contribution to art extends well beyond his favourite stretch of shoreline. Turner’s painting was transformative, his influence spanned lifetimes, and his legacy endures today.

"The new £20 note celebrates Turner, his art and his legacy in all their radiant, colourful, evocative glory.”

The Turner Prize returned to Thanet this year where the winners controversially split the award between them.
Read more: All the latest news from Thanet