Artist reveals all as giant Sunderland AFC in Europe mural begins to emerge in city centre
TNT Sports specifically wanted to commission a local artist to create a mural from the perspective of a Sunderland fan
Sunderland AFC’s incredible journey from the footballing wilderness of League One to the glory of Europa League qualification is being captured in a giant 11 metre by five metre mural on the back wall of Victoria’s Loft and Street Bar, which is due to be completed later this week.
The mural has been commissioned by sports broadcasting giants TNT Sports with Silksworth lass, Black Cats fan and local artist Kathryn Robertson charged with the task of of capturing the rollercoaster ride back to the top table of English football.
The mural, which is being created from Kathryn’s design, captures a number of iconic moments from the Black Cats promotion from the Championship as well as qualifying for Europe for the first time in over half-a-century.
Kathryn 32, said: “We already have a mural in the city of when Dan Ballard scored the headed goal in the play-off semi final. It was such a pivotal moment which needed to be part of the mural and so I decided to capture the moment Enzo Le Fee kissed the ball before taking that corner.
“The design also captures the game against Chelsea when we qualified for Europe and Luke O’Nien put his hands behind his head in disbelief. It was important to include Luke as he has been part of the club during the whole journey back from League One.
“The design also includes Granit Xhaka and the words from his speech that “this is only the beginning”. Other moments captured included Brian Brobbey after he scored the equalising goal against Arsenal.
“I also included Chris Rigg as he s a local lad who came through the academy.”
The design also features the Europa League trophy sitting on a bed of white clouds.
Kathryn said: “It represents the dream that hopefully we could maybe go on and lift the trophy - you just never know. The mural had to include Regis Le Bris, who the fans all love, as well as the image of supporters walking over Keel Crossing on their way to the game.”
TNT specifically wanted to commission a local artist to create a mural from the perspective of a Sunderland fan.
Kathryn added: “It means a lot to be asked to create a piece of art which encapsulates the journey the club has been on and I’m really proud of the design.
“It’s also in a really prominent part of the city and so it will hopefully be seen by people as they drive or walk through the city on their way to the match.”
TNT hope the mural will be completed ahead of the Black Cats Premier League game against Arsenal on Saturday (September 12) which will be followed by SAFC’s first Europa League fixture against AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday September 16. Both games will be broadcast live on TNT along with all of the club’s Europa League games.