ARSENAL have revealed the Emirates Stadium will undergo a facelift with eight pieces of artwork immortalising club legends and celebrating community values.
After months of planning, and fans consulted, eight new designs will adorn the outside of the club’s north London home.
Arsenal legend Wright giving pal Vieira a kiss on the cheek
One of the eight designs, welcoming fans to the Emirates
Former Arsenal players Bob WIlson (left) and David Seaman (right) at the unveiling of the new Emirates stadium artwork
Hundreds of fan flags will feature on another design, celebrating the Arsenal community
Arsenal captain Odegaard in front of the Norway Arsenal supporters flag
The project began in April last year, with Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, critically acclaimed artist Reuben Dangoor, and graphic designer David Rudnick all involved.
And together, they have created eight pieces of art that will serve as a reminder of the club’s history, while also shining a light on its culture and the community.
One of them shows 12 Arsenal legends ready for battle alongside the famous cannons.
The cannons have been part of the club’s identity since it was formed by workers at the Royal Arsenal Ordnance Factory in 1886.
Arsenal’s Latin motto Victoria Concordia Crescit and its English meaning, Victory through Harmony, also feature alongside the likes of Ian Wright, David Rocastle and Tony Adams.
Another pays homage to Arsenal’s old home, Highbury.
The design is of Highbury’s iconic East Stand.
A number of the Gunners’ greatest ever players and managers are included in the piece.
Arsene Wenger features, and is doing his famous pose following the title win at White Hart Lane in 2004.
Wright and Thierry Henry, as well as the famous back four of Lee Dixon, Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn can also be seen.
A third piece of artwork celebrates both the men’s and women’s team successes.
On one side, it immortalises the men’s Premier League title-winning side of 2003-04.
Wenger’s men went unbeaten in their title-winning season.
On the other side, it shows the women’s Champions League-winning team of 2006-07.
Another is designed to invoke pride in North London, welcoming fans to the Emirates.
A fifth simply shows Arsenal’s founding year of 1886.
A sixth showcases 150 flags and banners from supporters groups from around the world.
And in a bid to inspire Arsenal’s next generation, it has young stars running towards a flag of “opportunity”, while former players are running out from “greatness”.
Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham said: “This has been a fantastic project enabled by so many of the Arsenal family here in Islington and across the world.
“We started with a blank canvas with the hope of capturing and expressing our rich history, our values of community and progress and reflect what Arsenal stands for in 2023 and beyond.
“The project has brought together our supporters, community, legends and staff as one. It’s a real celebration of the Arsenal community, designed for and by the Arsenal family.”
Club captain Martin Odegaard added: “This club has so much history, so many supporters involved. I think it just shows what we are doing now as a club together.
“The people before have done so many amazing things, now it’s our turn.”
Gunners director Edu speaking with Wright at the unveiling
An inspiring piece shows young players on their way to ‘opportunity’ to turn it into ‘greatness’
Former Arsenal player and coach Pat Rice loved the artwork paying homage to Highbury
The club’s founding year featuring the words ‘always forward’
Former Arsenal player Alan Smith pointing to himself on Highbury
