Newcastle Building Society has unveiled three new savings passbooks designs, created in partnership with North East artists
Newcastle Building Society is covering its passbooks with artwork to encourage “inspire mindful money management” and cater to those who prefer offline banking.
The building society has revealed three new savings passbook designs, crafted in collaboration with North East artists. While acknowledging the rise of digital banking, the Society also recognises customers who prefer in-branch banking or a blend of both physical and digital methods.
With mindful activities like journaling and meditation gaining popularity, passbooks offer an alternative for those who prefer face-to-face banking and a connection with the “connect with the real world”.
The Society suggests that these passbooks could help foster better financial habits by encouraging active money management. Customers have praised passbooks for helping them resist impulse buying from their savings.
The limited-edition passbooks showcase the work of three local artists: Barrie Watson, an abstract artist from Sunderland; Lisa Kirkbride, a graphic designer and illustrator from Whitley Bay; and Joanne Wishart, a Tyneside-based artist inspired by the local coastline.
Their artwork, influenced by the North East and merging heritage with modern design, graces the covers of the passbooks.
A limited number of passbooks will be made available to members of Newcastle Building Society across its 32 branches in the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. The Society has invited customers to share their thoughts on the designs, which could potentially lead to an extension of their availability or the commissioning of new artworks.
The original artworks will be showcased at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead during its half-term Big Days Out event, until March 2. Michael Conville, chief customer officer at Newcastle Building Society, said: “Our members tell us time and again how much they value their passbooks because they provide a more tangible and personal connection to their savings and a physical record of their transactions.”
He added that every passbook tells a unique story, whether it’s been used to save for a holiday, wedding, or simply set aside money for loved ones.
Mr Conville revealed that people often keep their passbooks “long after they’ve closed their account”, expressing hope that this would be especially true for the reimagined versions. He said: “Hopes this will be especially true of our reimagined versions. With the help of our talented local artists, we’ve given our members something new and special to treasure.”
Artist Mr Watson commented: “Contributing artwork for this passbooks project has been a deeply rewarding experience. Passbooks are more than just practical tools – they carry personal histories and memories unique to everyone.
“I have loved the process of creating art that pays homage to that sense of community and connection, as well as blending something traditional with my abstract and experimental style.”
