Alan Reynolds Stone (1909–1979) CBE RDI was a noted English engraver, designer, typographer and painter of the 20th century.
Much of his work was done in the field of printing and publishing, as a designer of typefaces, book jackets and bookplates. In 1949 he redesigned the famous clock logo of The Times. In 1951 he was invited to carve the Second World War memorial in the Grand Entrance of the Victoria and Albert Museum. He engraved the Royal Arms for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 and the official coat of arms for Her Majesty's Stationery Office in 1955 - still reproduced today on the cover of the UK passport.[1] He also designed the coat of arms for The British Council.
In 1954 he designed the Minerva typeface for Linotype. He designed the £5 and £10 bank notes respectively in 1963 and 1964 - including the Queen's portrait - for the Bank of England.[2] In 1965 he carved the memorial to Sir Winston Churchill in Westminster Abbey and in 1966 one for T. S. Eliot. One of his later works, in 1976, was the gravestone of composer Benjamin Britten.
In 1953 he was awarded a CBE and moved to The Old Rectory in Litton Cheney near Dorchester, Dorset where he lived until his death.
He was married to the photographer Janet Stone[3] and had four children. In order of birth, they are painter Edward Stone, designer Humphrey Stone, illustrator Phillida Gili, and Emma Beck, wife of artist Ian Beck.
A major exhibition of his work was held in the library of the Victoria and Albert Museum between July and October 1982. Another, to honour the centenary of his birth, was held at The Red House, Aldeburgh, Suffolk in April 2009.[4]