'We took it upon ourselves to brighten someone's day' - Two West Midlands artists claim responsibility for mural of 'England's greatest football manager' in Dudley
Two West Midlands-based artists have posted a video claiming responsibility for the Sam Allardyce mural in Dudley town centre.
Dion Kitson from Dudley and Adam Wynn from Birmingham posted a joint Instagram video on Sunday, July 20 captioned: "‘Really Big Sam’ - Dion Kitson x Adam Wynn created the mural dedicated to Sam Allardyce in Dudley Town Centre. We’re glad the big man loved it."
A 10ft-high artwork of former England men’s football manager Sam Allardyce eating a large bag of Black Country delicacy 'orange chips' appeared on July 18 on a wall near a fast food shop in his home town, sparking speculation about its creator.
Kitson, an artist, designer, protestor and activator who was behind the launch of Gregg's 22-carat gold jewellery collection in 2024, has teamed up with Wynn to create the mural, and told the Express and Star their aim was to simply 'brighten someone's day' with the artwork.
"We wanted to celebrate England’s greatest football manager and England’s greatest chips," Kitson said. "Everyone deserves to experience art and celebrate their local heritage, so we took it upon ourselves to make that happen and brighten someone’s day in the process."
In a video clip used by Kitson and Wynn in their Instagram post the former England boss said: "I've just seen the mural of me that's been sent of me in Dudley, my hometown, and I feel absolutely privileged to be honest with you. I thought it was a very good likeness.
"The chips looked a bit hot but I really enjoyed seeing it. Whoever did it, thank you very much."
A shopper passing the mural on Friday said it was nice to see something paying tribute to someone who was proud of their roots in Dudley.
“It’s a bit odd as it doesn’t have a slogan or any words, but it brightens up the place,” the man said.
A local worker, who asked not to be named and admitted he did not know who was depicted in the mural, described it as “the randomest thing I’ve ever seen”.
The man said: “Who is it? It’s just weird, it doesn’t make sense and it needs to go.”
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