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Portraits of footballing legends will be on display at football clubs in the region to celebrate the World Cup.

The exhibition, which is entitled ‘World Cup Legends’, features paintings of some of the greatest players in the tournament’s history.

The exhibition will be at Blyth Spartans’ clubhouse on Tuesday, December 13 between 6pm and 11pm.

It will later be hosted by George Stephenson High School in Killingworth on Tuesday, December 20 between 1pm and 4pm, and at Whitley Bay FC on Thursday, December 15 from 7pm until 9pm.

Davey Brown's exhibition celebrates legends who have played in the World Cup

Newcastle-based artist Davey Brown, who created the exhibition, said: “I am a big football fan and always look forward to the World Cup.

“As an artist, it makes sense for me to put this exhibition on so that I can share my passion for football through my art.

“I hope the people who come to my exhibitions enjoy seeing my paintings as much as I enjoy creating them.”

Davey says he is working to confirm more stops at local clubs for the tour.

Davey Brown's portrait of Lionel Messi, which will be part of the exhibition.

He added: “I wanted to take the exhibition to local football clubs, including grassroots clubs, as these clubs are where the vast majority of footballers started out.

“The World Cup is the pinnacle of a player's career but their roots in the game should never be forgotten.

“Hopefully my portraits of some of the world's greatest ever footballers will inspire children to take up the game.

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Portrait of Paul Gascoigne by Davey Brown

The 55-year-old former decorator produces the artworks by sketching based on photographs then adding layers of paint and varnishing the finished item.

Framed prints and merchandise will be available at each stop of the exhibition tour.

Davey has been a full time artist for roughly ten years and paints subjects other than footballers, such as famous DJs.

He said: “I did art at school and got an O Level, but just before I left school my art teacher told me that I would never make anything of myself in the art world.

Painting of England winning the World Cup by Davey Brown

“Around ten years ago, I had a leg injury and had to give up decorating.

“My dad encouraged me to get back into art and I decided to give it a go.

“I do not see it as a job though because I love what I do and it is more of a passion.”

Exhibition of football legends portraits tours Northumberland and Tyneside to celebrate 2022 FIFA World Cup