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Work begins on Ed Sheeran mural in Ipswich

Steve Martin/BBC A view of the mural currently being painted. A young Ed Sheeran with ginger hair and glasses can be seen while an older version of himself is painted next to it and hidden behind a green scissor lift. Steve Martin/BBC
MurWalls is behind the new Ed Sheeran mural near Portman Road

Work is under way on a new mural paying tribute to singer Ed Sheeran and his contribution to a football club.

MurWalls, a street art company, has begun work on the piece on Sir Alf Ramsey Way, near Ipswich Town's Portman Road ground.

Marc Silver, founder and chief executive officer of MurWalls, said the mural was for the fans and community and would hopefully be finished by early next week.

The piece will depict Sheeran as a young child alongside his current self, both wearing Ipswich Town kits.

Steve Martin/BBC A painting of a young version of Ed Sheeran. He is painted as slightly smiling and he has ginger hair and glasses. He is wearing a blue football shirt and is against a black painted background. Steve Martin/BBC
Mr Silver was inspired by an "incredible" picture of Sheeran as a child wearing an Ipswich Town shirt

Mr Silver explained the idea came after he spoke with Sheeran's friend and fellow artist, Big Narstie, several years ago.

"The amount of support that [Sheeran has] given the club, he's definitely warranted it and in terms of a local living legend, he's definitely that," Mr Silver said.

"We just felt it was a good time, and obviously it coincided with Ipswich getting promoted to the Premier League, so there's a real good vibe around the town."

Steve Martin/BBC A gentleman wearing a black hoodie, black cap and black puffer jacket is pictured spray-painting the mural. He is painting the collar of Sheeran's football top on the mural.Steve Martin/BBC
The MurWalls team hopes to have the mural finished by early next week

The wall, donated by Ipswich Borough Council, is on the back of the Ipswich Buses depot.

Painting began at the end of last week.

The black-coloured base was done by a local painter, Nathan Jones, whose son Noah was a street artist known as Background Bob, from Dedham, Essex.

"We felt it was really important to get Background Bob's dad involved in this project because [on Wednesday it was] a year to the day when he sadly passed away," Mr Silver continued.

"'Background Bob' is a bit of a term in the world of street art where you just help in the background and he's done exactly that; he's painted the whole background for us."

Steve Martin/BBC A closer view of the mural's older version of Sheeran. It depicts him smiling with ginger hair while wearing a blue Ipswich Town shirt. A scissor lift can be seen above the camera close to the mural wall. Steve Martin/BBC
Mr Silver said he wanted to show there was more to Sheeran than his just being a celebrity from the area

Mr Silver was inspired by a picture of Sheeran as a child wearing an Ipswich Town shirt.

"We wanted to show that he's always been a fan... it [depicts] Ed of today in his current Ipswich shirt, which he's actually sponsored, looking at himself as a young kid.

"It's him looking at himself there with a smile on his face and the young Ed is kind of unaware of what he's going to become and his love for the club."

Mr Silver said he hoped for some reaction from Sheeran but stressed the piece was for the "fans to enjoy"

"That's what it's all about and the community of Ipswich," he added.

MurWalls A mural of Sir Elton John on the side of a football stadium. He wears a yellow football shirt and black shorts while sitting on a football. He has pink glasses and short ginger hair.MurWalls
MurWalls is known for its murals across the country, including one of Sir Elton John at Watford's stadium

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