Maria Petri memorial picture.
Maria Petri memorial picture installed on Highbury. Hardcore Maria Petristas have pointed out that she would never have joined in this chant with swear words in it - and apparently didn't even refer to Tottenham by name, preferring to call them "N17." When asked what she thought of Tottenham in real life, she said "I don't think about them."
Maria at Highbury
As I was glueing Maria onto the Marble Halls I was spotted by a security guard. He must have been confused and thought it was an official tribute, as he offered to take a picture of me and Maria in her new temporary home.
Maria Petri at Highbury.
Sketching out the first attempt at a visual mural - it is a tribute to Dave "The Goonerholic" Faber, a gracious and kind Arsenal supporter and early blogger, who embodied the fan values I wanted to channel and which seemed to be getting swept away in a tide of negativity and AFTV inspired online clout chasing
The Goonerholic memorial on Hornsey Road
Gillespie Road and St Thomas' Road junction. This was the sight of a terrible tragedy back in 1982.
Arsenal supporter John Dickinson was murdered here by West Ham supporters in a football hooligan battle. He was caught in the chest with a Stanley knife and it punctured his heart - he bled out on the spot. John was just 24 years old.
The firm from back in the day all turned out for the 40th anniversary of John Dickinson's death. I remember reading about it all back in 1982 when the killing happened. I was just 12 years old and told myself I'd never go to Arsenal or live football matches if that was what to expect. But the world works in mysterious ways and 40 years later I was asked by his friends to paint his memorial picture. I was honoured to do so.
David Seager and my painting of him and his son Liam.
Rocky in his rightful place in The Tunnel
Ours Is The Arsenal, The Power & the Glory…
Northbanksy’s art has also been dedicated to the memories of Arsenal supporters and players who have died.
This street art remembers fans like Maria Petri, who supported the club all her long life, as well as our younger Gooners whose time among us was tragically cut short, be it by illness, knife crime, terrorism or road accidents.
I have also commemorated David “Rocky” Rocastle and Kevin Campbell.
God bless their memories, but remember that the energy of our lost Arsenal family flows through us still in our love for the club.