A Volunteer’s Experience

Perhaps the most high profile residency was that of artist Chris Stevens with Sunderland Football Club – at the time a first division side. Even national television picked up on the event. Much debate was sparked in and around the club, Alan Durban (manager June 1981 to March 1984) remarked, “It has taken me two years to get rid of the artists in my team and they go and give me another one” (HAA/B07), while Chris Turner (goalkeeper 1979 – 85) said players thought the idea was a joke at first but were later impressed and accepted Chris Stevens as he was, “like any ordinary lad off the streets” (“Art at Work” HAA/B07). Stevens began by producing player portraits, which were well received, but swiftly moved on to depicting fans, particularly skinheads whom he wished to present with a softer glow than the stereotypical bad boy image which they had. This didn’t sit too well with some who thought that it created, by association, a bad image for the club.

Overall, Chris’s residency was largely successful, in promoting the club as well as producing some thought provoking artwork, he became well regarded by many players, staff and fans alike. When he began he stated, “who am I painting for, the club, the supporters or myself” (HAA/B07). He appears to have struck a balance which satisfied all of these demands and continues to be a successful artist to the present day, some examples of his work relating to the Sunderland residency can be seen at Helix Arts’ Re:Visits exhibition which runs at Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend, until September 2023.