An iconic life-sized portray of 1972 and 1982 world snooker champion Alex Higgins is heading for public sale.
The eight-foot lengthy portray was the final portrait of the Belfast native earlier than his demise as a consequence of long-term struggles with well being in 2010.
Higgins, who was on the forefront of snooker’s increase in reputation throughout the Nineteen Seventies and Nineteen Eighties, would have celebrated his 76th birthday on March 18th subsequent Tuesday.
The Northern Irishman twice reached a career-high of quantity two on the planet snooker rankings.
His different accolades included turning into a two-time Masters champion – successful the celebrated invitational event in 1978 and 1981 – and the UK champion in 1983.
On the time, Higgins was solely the third participant after Steve Davis and Terry Griffiths to assert what would later grow to be often known as the profession Triple Crown.
It was Davis particularly who Higgins shared a box-office rivalry with, the pair recognized for his or her polar-opposite traits in persona.
All through the Nineteen Eighties when snooker’s reputation within the UK and Eire was at an all-time excessive, they had been each family names.
Certainly, Higgins grew to become simply as well-known for his appearances on the entrance pages of newspapers as he did for his write-ups on sports activities pages on the again.
Nicknamed the Hurricane, he boasted a pure expertise to entertain on the desk however may possess a fiery temperament that alienated him from many off it.
Higgins struggled to deal with his addictions to alcohol, smoking, and playing – with a few of these vices featured within the portray by artist Alan Quigley.
There’s a cigarette illustrated on high of his cue, whereas taking part in playing cards will be seen tucked into the pocket of his pants.
The portray – signed by Alex Higgins himself – might be seen on the Service provider Lodge in Higgins’ residence metropolis of Belfast for nearly ten years.
Now, nevertheless, the oil depiction that was as soon as featured on the BBC One Present is heading for public sale because it goes in quest of a brand new everlasting residence.
“I feel with this portray I’ve to some extent captured the genius of the person and hinted at his vulnerability and his loneliness,” Irish artist Quigley mentioned in 2010.
“His want at the moment was that it’s exhibited in a distinguished venue and [for it to find] an acceptable residence.”
For extra details about the Alex Higgins portray that’s at the moment on sale
Contact:
Mr. Teddy Hayes – +44-7961327652
valued.artplus@gmail.com
www.valued-art.com
Picture credit score: Teddy Hayes ; Alan Quigley
