Euro 2012: England Grit Celebrated

Not too long ago, we brought you news of a series of Newcastle United art works from sometime WhatCulture contributor, and resident artistic genius Michael Atkinson, and though I stoically refuse to go in for all that nepotism, the line and ink expert has excelled himself with another image dedicated to the Beautiful Game. This time - rather appropriately given England's participation in Euro 2012 - Atkinson has turned his attention to one of the most celebrated and iconic images of all sporting history, a moment that for many said everything that needed to be said about the indomitable English bulldog spirit. When Terry Butcher played through pain, and near torrential blood-flow on September 6th, 1989 in Stockholm during a vital World Cup Qualifier against Sweden a legendary image was born. Frozen in a pose of exhilarated excitement, his eyes burning fiercely with pride and something decidedly more primal, Butcher instantly became a hero, the image set to be featured in every definitive England collection to the end of time. It is that image which Atkinson has chosen to give his already familiar minimalist treatment, reducing the iconic picture to a simple graphic representation, but making the most powerful features - the blood and that headband - even more impact. Nice work, Sir. Atkinson plans to make the print available via Etsy, in limited numbers, so make sure you get your hands on one quickly, or at least reserve one via the man himself. And if he hasn't done it by the time the knock-out stages turn this country into the inevitable snarling pit of patriotism they usually do, I suggest relentlessly bombarding him with "messages of support" until he does. Price details are yet to be confirmed (we'll update as soon as we know), but I'll be calling in my own discount rate to get one. You can see more of Michael Atkinson's work here.