Twenty years after the death of George Best, a new art collection celebrating the footballing icon’s genius is set to go on show in Manchester – just a stone’s throw from the ground where he shot to stardom.
The 40-piece exhibition, George Best: 20 Years of Immortal Legacy, is a collaboration between Best’s son Calum and contemporary artist Aidan Phelan, who has previously reimagined British cultural icons from Oasis to Amy Winehouse
The pair’s long friendship and shared fascination with flawed brilliance has resulted in a series that captures Best’s life in full colour, from his breathtaking skill to his famously hedonistic lifestyle.
The exhibition will tour Belfast, Manchester and London, with the Manchester showcase taking place tomorrow on October 24th at Hotel Football, overlooking Old Trafford where Best’s name became legend.
Each canvas tells a different story: Best twisting past defenders, his boyish grin reflected in the glow of a nightclub, painted against a backdrop of tabloid headlines and champagne haze.
Phelan’s use of bold colours reflects the intensity of Best’s world, a career lived in the spotlight and a life that burned fast and bright.
Born in Belfast in 1946, Best joined Manchester United at just 15 and made his debut two years later. By 22 he had won the European Cup, a Ballon d’Or, and the hearts of millions – becoming football’s first global celebrity.
His brilliance on the field was matched only by his appetite for excess – the parties, the women, the fast cars – earning him almost as many headlines as goals scored on the pitch.
Best’s life was cut tragically short when he died in 2005. For Calum, born to George and his first wife Angie in 1981, this project is as much about preserving his father’s story as it is about art.
He said: “With 20 years coming up since my dad’s passing, I knew I had to do something significant to mark the milestone.
“Finding the right artist was important — I needed someone who knew me, who knew football, and, more importantly, who knew my dad.
“Over the years I’ve been proud to honour him through charity football matches and endless fundraising, but this time I wanted to create something that would truly stand the test of time.”
Jessica Southworth, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel Football, said: “George Best is not only one of United’s greatest all-time players, but he’s also one of the most iconic world stars to ever play the game.
“On the anniversary of his passing, it’s only fitting to honour his incredible life with a showcase of art that’s as dramatic and colourful as the man himself.
“We’re incredibly proud to showcase the works and can’t wait to welcome fans to Hotel Football on October 24th for what we know we will be an amazing event.”
The Manchester exhibition coincides with VIP Matchday Experiences at Hotel Football, including twilight tours of Old Trafford, premium match tickets, and Q&As with United legends such as Ryan Giggs.
It also comes just weeks after the hotel was shortlisted once again at the World Travel Awards, underscoring its place in the city’s sporting culture.
George Best: 20 Years of Immortal Legacy will exhibit at Hotel Football on October 24th.
