A uniquely stylised picture which features Grimethorpe Colliery Band as its focal point has been created by the renowned Yorkshire artist and ex-miner Joe Scarborough and produced as a limited run of signed copies that are now on sale.
It will be officially unveiled at the band's concert at Victoria Hall in Joe's hometown of Sheffield on Saturday 22nd October. Limited edition prints and canvases will be for sale as well as other merchandise linked to the picture.
Special memento
Speaking about the commission, Band Manager Richard Windle told 4BR: "We always have a great response to our CDs and merchandise at our concerts, but this will provide our fans with a very special memento. Joe's wonderful artistry seemed to be the perfect match with the band."
He added: "He started life as a miner, is from South Yorkshire and luckily, he didn't need too much persuading to complete a piece for us."
Visual collage
The picture creates a visual collage of the band and its achievement — with bandstand at its centre topped by the Royal Albert Hall (complete with National Trophy) against a backdrop that includes Sydney Opera House, the Statue of Liberty, Carnegie Hall, Mount Fuji as well as the winding gear of the Grimethorpe pit head.
The band bus awaits to take the players to either the Whit Friday contests or St George's Hall as local miners proudly march past under their lodge banner.
He started life as a miner, is from South Yorkshire and luckily, he didn't need too much persuading to complete a piece for usGrimethorpe Colliery Band
Such a gift
The artist was delighted to be able to produce the work.
"I keep saying I'm winding down on commissions but this one was such a gift for a painter — especially this painter. I couldn't refuse."
He added: "Brassed Off is one of my favourite films. I used to work down the pit and I love painting the iconic buildings from around the world the band has either performed at or visited.
It's a work that I thoroughly enjoyed and would probably have done it for free, but don't tell them!"
Tickets
Tickets for the concert can be bought from:
https://grimethorpeband.co.uk/product/victoria-hall-sheffield/
Limited edition prints, canvases, tea towels and Jigsaws are available at:
https://grimethorpeband.co.uk/shop/