Sheffield artist says Ronnie O’Sullivan mural remains unfinished
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Artist Chris Ashmore has reiterated that his Ronnie O’Sullivan mural in Sheffield is unfinished after its viral reception prompted criticism of the snooker champion’s likeness. The commission for Spot On Snooker Club has sparked mixed local reactions, while the club’s manager has defended Ashmore against personal abuse and said access will be arranged for the final alterations.
Ashmore said he has completed two of the five weeks allocated to the job and still needs to adjust skin tones and features around the eyes and mouth. He said scaffolding obscured his overall view of the work, unlike a scissor lift, and intends to hire a cherry picker to complete it without rushing; residents variously called it brightening and brilliant, or described the face as skeletal and inaccurate.
- Artist says criticised O’Sullivan mural remains unfinished.
- Two of five commissioned weeks have been completed.
- Club backs final touch-ups and condemns personal attacks.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan is one of the best-known players in snooker, a cue sport in which competitors use a white ball to pot coloured balls on a large table. Nicknamed “the Rocket” for his fast style of play, he has won major titles over several decades and has a large following.
Murals are large paintings made directly on walls, often commissioned by businesses or community groups to celebrate local figures, sports or culture. Because they are highly visible, they can quickly attract attention and differing views from passers-by and online audiences.
Sheffield has a strong connection with snooker through its long-running World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre. A mural of O’Sullivan therefore draws on a sport closely associated with the city, while also reflecting the challenge of creating a recognisable portrait at a large scale.
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Originally published by feeds.bbci.co.uk as “Artist defends ‘unfinished’ Ronnie O’Sullivan mural”.