Artist Verity gives programme cover a marvellous makeover for Fulham
Artist and lifelong fan Sue Verity designs front cover.7th Mar 2012
By Paul Brown
Villa have commissioned artist and lifelong fan Sue Verity to produce the next matchday programme front cover - and she says she'll be in floods of tears when she sees the finished product at the Fulham game.
The Villa News & Record on Saturday is a stunning special edition, with the Acorns partnership very much in the spotlight.
The entire issue is dedicated to the club's link with the children's charity, with pages of content bringing to life the heart-warming affiliation.
Villa even elected to rework the cover, with the usual player image replaced with Sue's classy design.
It features an unnamed player holding an Acorn - encompassing the bond between club and charity.
Sue came up with the iconic image and brought it to life on canvas before passing it on to the design team in B6 to replicate for the £4 issue at the weekend.
Sue, a staunch claret and blue supporter, is relishing the moment she sees fans walking around Villa Park staring appreciatively at the bumper issue.
And she's also thrilled that her original canvas will be auctioned off in the coming weeks, with profits going to Acorns.
She said: "I am a lifelong Villa fan. I grew up following the likes of Brian Little, Paul McGrath and Shaun Teale. It is a real privilege to work with my club.
"I can't believe it really. I have to pinch myself. I am so proud.
"To see a picture of mine being used for the good of Villa and Acorns, it's the perfect combination.
"I shall probably burst into tears when I first see it on the front cover for the first time.
"That's how I usually react when I'm emotional.
"I think it's worked out well. I am happy with the painting and the programme cover. I can't believe I am going to walk around at the game and see people holding copies with my picture on the front.
"It's an honour but very surreal too. It will be an amazing day. I just hope everyone buys a programme and supports the charity more than anything."
Sue explained the significance of the personable picture.
She continued: "The player in the background is not a famous star, he's just the symbol of Aston Villa, the football club.
"The picture is just simply saying the club is supporting the charity wholeheartedly. It's very touching. That's the message of the picture.
"I hope the original painting is eventually signed by the players and as many staff as possible - the tea lady, the groundsman, the cleaner - anyone involved with the club. It's one big family.
"That's what I want to come across. Villa is not just about the football, it's about everybody connected. It will be great when that goes to auction."
Sue, who came into art later in her professional life after an initial career in hairdressing, insists charity work is very close to her heart.
Her mother Jill Woodward died of cancer in 1990 and, from that moment, Sue ensured her canvas career would help others less fortunate than herself.
Paintings of Liam Gallagher, Johnny Depp, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sir Roger Moore, Ian Brown and Keith Richards have raked in hundreds of pounds - with generous helpings going to charity.
She continued: "All of my work is charity-centric. That's very important to me. It's all down to my mum. She's my inspiration.
"Paintings like this one for Acorns are my way of remembering her.
"That's why I love working with charities who are doing things for others.
"Interestingly my first dabble with paintings professionally involved Acorns when I auctioned off a picture of Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant. All profits went to the worthwhile children's charity."
Her latest project is an exhibition of work for Birmingham-based charity Survive, a non-profit organisation raising awareness of cancer.
The 'Legends' event is on April 26 at the Sanctum Hotel in Soho.
Tickets - as well as a collection of her iconic paintings - are still available via Sue's website -
www.sueverity.co.uk.
