“Sheffield in Motion” features seven portraits of elite athletes connected to Sheffield, all created by local artist and tattooist Tommy Hibberd.
Behind the bold, energetic artwork is a personal story. Hibberd says the style that defines the exhibition was shaped by watching his grandad live with Motor Neurone Disease.
“I was about 17 or 18 when my granddad developed motor neurone disease,” he said.
“Seeing him lose control over time made me think a lot about my art.
“If I had to create my art without that control, what sort of thing would I create?
“That’s where the scribble style really came from – it holds a strong place in my heart.”
His ‘scribble style’ uses loose, layered lines to capture movement and emotion - something Tommy says fits naturally with the theme of sport.
“I think the style captures that movement and excitement that goes along with sport.”
The exhibition focuses on athletes who perform at the highest level, many of them from Sheffield.
“I’ve got a big love for sport and the dedication that athletes put in to really get to the top,” he said.
“I draw a lot of inspiration from that and try to put it into my own work.”
Five of the seven athletes are Sheffield-born, something Tommy says was key to the project.
“As someone who is Sheffield born and bred – to see characters come from Sheffield, it gives a lot of belief that you can go out there and do that for yourself too.”
The remaining two – Robert Dowd and snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan – are included for their strong ties to the city’s sporting scene, particularly through the World Snooker Championship.
“The only two aren’t from Sheffield are Robert Dowd, who plays for the Steelers, and the very talented Ronnie O’Sullivan, who holds records right here at the Crucible.”
As well as his artwork, Tommy works as a tattoo artist at Steel City Style, near Meadowhall, and says the two disciplines balance each other.
“Scribble style is loose and energetic, whereas tattooing is very controlled,” he said.
“With my artwork I can loosen up, put music on and be more playful.
“I couldn’t dedicate myself to just one.”
Tommy will also be giving a free talk about the exhibition on Thursday, May 21 at 1pm, where he will discuss his work and what drives him as an artist.
“Sheffield in Motion” is now open, with a suggested £5 donation to help support the city’s museums.
1. "This series of portraits brings together athletes who train and compete at the highest levels. They are united by their connections to Sheffield, either as a home or a site of sporting achievement." Sheffield Museums
"This series of portraits brings together athletes who train and compete at the highest levels. They are united by their connections to Sheffield, either as a home or a site of sporting achievement." Sheffield Museums | S70 Media
2. Illustration of Jessica Ennis-Hill, famed for winning Olympic gold in the heptathlon at London 2012.
Illustration of Jessica Ennis-Hill, famed for winning Olympic gold in the heptathlon at London 2012. | S70 Media
3. Artwork of Kyle Walker, best known as an England international footballer and Premier League defender.
Artwork of Kyle Walker, best known as an England international footballer and Premier League defender. | S70 Media
4. Artistic depiction of Millie Bright, the England and Chelsea defender.
Artistic depiction of Millie Bright, the England and Chelsea defender. | S70 Media