Artistic PC gains national acclaim

PC Bryan Connor, West Midland Police, has been shortlisted to receive a prestigious art prize in a high-profile competition to depict the nation`s love of football.

The officer from Warley will see his work, Mixed Marriage – After Gainsborough, displayed in Manchester`s Lowry Gallery as part of the One Love: The Football Art Prize.

PC Connor has been with West Midlands Police for 27 years and currently works as the divisional planning officer for the South Sandwell area, organising officers for football matches and other operations.

He said: “In 1748, Gainsborough painted newlyweds Robert Andrews and Frances Carter of Sudbury. He has a gun under his arm, while his wife nervously poses on a Rococo-style bench. My painting shows the happy couple as West Bromwich Albion (Baggies) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) supporters.”

The One Love: The Football Art Prize exhibition will be officially launched at an awards night on November 30, when PC Connor will find out if he has won first prize of £15,000.