A NEW mural has been unveiled in Coventry which recognises and celebrates the strength and resilience of the stars of England’s Euro 2020 campaign.
The ‘Three Lions’ artwork has been created by artist Jonny Martin at Primrose Park in the Hillfields area of the city as part of UK City of Culture.
Coventry City of Culture Trust commissioned Jonny to create the artwork, which has been fabricated onto vinyl and will be installed at Primrose Park for the next 12 months.
Jonny said: “It represents the England team and the way they have played, but also how they have reacted in the face of adversity since losing in the final.
“I had been working on the piece before the final, but following the game and what happened in the aftermath I felt it was important that the artwork put the message across that the racist slurs in the wake of defeat are unacceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated.
“The team showed great courage, integrity and bravery before, during and after the tournament, and I hope that this piece reflects that.”
See how the artwork was installed (below).
Click below to hear an interview with the Jonny Martin.
The design reflects not only the team’s successful Euro 2020 campaign but also recognises their resolution and dignity in the face of racial discrimination following their final defeat.
Cara Pickering, visual arts programme producer for Coventry City of Culture Trust, added: “The tag-line for this work is courage, integrity and passion.
“They are exactly what the England team has shown over the last month and are values that all of us should hope to live by.
“Those qualities have been more apparent than ever after the torrent of racial abuse faced following the final and we hope this aspect of the work resonates with people.
“The mural looks fantastic and we hope the people of Hillfields, and the wider city, will head to Primrose Park to enjoy this iconic work.”
