Stunning artwork created in memory of Connor Brown at Gatsby in Sunderland

A striking piece of art has appeared on the side of Gatsby, a bar on Derwent Street in Sunderland city centre.

Connor Brown, 18, of Sunderland, sadly died after being fatally stabbed on a night out in Sunderland in February of 2019.

Now, almost one year on, he has been remembered in the form of artwork by Frank Styles, a spray paint artist, who graduated in fine art from the University of Sunderland.

A statement on the Connor Brown - Too Loved To Ever Be Forgotten Facebook page says: “Just wanted to share with you this amazing piece or artwork created by Frank Styles as a lasting reminder of our beautiful boy Connor.

“This artwork is on the side wall of Gatsby's in Sunderland and we hope this constant reminder to our younger generation will make some think about the dangers of carrying a knife and the devastation it causes.”

On the outside wall of the building, the bold red piece shows Connor’s initials in a heart shaped design in the hopes of creating a reminder of the dangers of knife crime in the city.

Frank Styles said: “I was asked by friends of the family to paint a memorial for Connor. Something simple with his initials in. Hopefully this can serve as a reminder of how lives can be lost and more ruined if you decide to carry a knife.

“I needed some black paint to freshen up the wall before I painted the heart. I went into Brewers Decorators who gave the paint to me free of charge. They didn't say anything, just handed me the paint I'd asked for. It's amazing how people in this city can pull together in tough times.”

Connor’s memory continues to live on across the North East.

On Thursday, January 30, His parents Tanya and Simon Brown attended the unveiling of the Knife Angel in Gateshead and told the Echo how they plan to get their son’s name engraved on the back of the sculpture.