London, May 22 (IANS): The late fashion designer Alexander McQueen might be immortalised on the new 20 pound notes in Britain.

The Bank of England is asking the British public to nominate "people of historic significance" from the world of visual arts to be immortalised on the new 20 pound note, with the late fashion designer one of the favourites to be mentioned, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Speaking at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, where the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” exhibition is currently on display, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said: "Banknotes are the principal way the Bank of England engages with the British public. These sparse pieces of paper from the 17th Century have developed over the years to become the small works of art that are in everyone's wallets."

The final decision is set to be made by Carney himself, but if McQueen is selected, the printing of the note, which is due to take place in 2020, would mark ten years since the fashion designer's death.

"There are a wealth of individuals within the field of visual arts whose work shaped British thought, innovation, leadership, values and society and who continue to inspire people today,” the governor added.

Born and raised in east London, McQueen was just 40 years old when he committed suicide in his Mayfair home on the day before his mother's funeral.