Portsmouth: Famous faces unveiled on HMS Victory sailing replica

July 23, 2024

Image source, Portsmouth creates

Image description, The mural features literary greats, Olympic athletes and global superstars

Author, Charlotte Andrews
Role, BBC News
2 hours ago

A replica of a sail from HMS Victory features various famous faces with connections to Portsmouth.

The mural, drawn in hand chalk by city artist Pete Codling, features well-known figures such as Charles Dickens, Amanda Holdens and Vice Admiral Lord Nelson.

At 17 m (55 feet) long and 10 m (33 feet) high, it is considered the largest charcoal drawing ever created.

The art, described by Mr Codling as a “tribute” to the city, will be exhibited at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Image source, Portsmouth creates

Image description, It took three years for Mr Codling to complete the artwork

In his effort to capture the essence of Portsmouth, Mr Codling incorporated the historic battleship HMS Victory, using a replica of one of its sails as a canvas.

Located in the historic dockyards of Portsmouth, it is the oldest warship in the world still in service.

Other portraits include former Portsmouth Football Club manager Harry Redknapp and author Neil Gaiman, who was born in nearby Portchester.

Artist Grayson Perry and astronaut Tim Peake, both of whom studied at the University of Portsmouth, are also featured.

In addition, the work features the face of former Mr. Universe Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is rumored to have trained at a Southsea gym in the 1960s.

Image source, Portsmouth creates

Image description, The sail features the faces of many Portsmouth residents

Among the famous faces are hundreds of local residents sketched by Mr Codling during his three-year residency at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

The artist said he wanted to merge contemporary and historical elements of the city.

“The process has been a journey of discovery and a journey of connecting with the community and I hope it serves as a symbol of our shared heritage,” he added.

Image source, Portsmouth creates

Image description, Mr Codling estimates that the mural contains about 1000 faces

The sail will be unveiled on 27 and 28 July at Portsmouth Football Club’s Fratton Park stadium.

After being temporarily installed on board HMS Warrior in Portsmouth Harbour, the artwork will be transferred to the shipyard in Boathouse 4 for a semi-permanent stay.

It is expected to play a role in the city’s centenary celebrations in 2026.

The project was funded by Portsmouth Historic Quarter, Arts Council England and Portsmouth City Council.

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