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The passion of football

Angela Kelly
23/ 7/2008

WHEN Gordon Taylor became chief executive of footballers’ union the Professional Footballers Association the organisation began to collect an array of art.

Just how successful this venture has been will be revealed next week when an impressive exhibition opens at Manchester Art Gallery.

The Beautiful Game features highlights from the PFA’s collection, with more than 20 significant works on loan until November 9 including LS Lowry’s much-loved picture Going to the Match.

The exhibition celebrates the PFA’s centenary year – it was founded in Manchester in 1907. The rules of the game and the Football Association were created in 1863 and the Football League in 1888 so, inevitably, along with industrialisation and the birth of trade unions, professional footballers wanted to be regularised and protected.

It was certainly not all plain sailing – not least because the FA was worried about players’ strikes – but eventually the PFA became a strong and valued force.

Gordon Taylor was born in Ashton-under-Lyne and appeared for Bolton Wanderers in more than 250 games with 50 goals to his credit, as well as playing for Blackburn Rovers and Bury.

Instead of entering the coaching world, he decided to help his fellow players as, initially, secretary to the PFA.

The work in the exhibition, bought over several years, includes posters, paintings, cartoons and ceramics. Much of this is football related, from striking images of football stadia to scenes of amateurs having a kickabout in the park.

They range from early 20th century pieces, like a programme and souvenir from the England Cup final of 1906, to a series of contemporary posters commissioned for the PFA’s centenary. Probably the most famous exhibit is the oil painting Going to the Match – Lowry’s portrayal of Bolton Wanderers fans on their way to a game – which cost the PFA £1.9 million.

Explained Gordon Taylor: "I bought this painting for the PFA because I thought it was important to keep it in the world of football, in the north west and in public view. It’s not only painted at a golden age for football, but also shows Lowry at his best. It’s full of anticipation and movement at the start of a match which as an ex-footballer I know gets the adrenaline going."

He added: "I very much hope that the gallery’s visitors will also appreciate the many other examples from our collection that feature in this special exhibition.

"They have all been acquired for their ability to capture the feel of football throughout the ages, both at a professional and amateur level, in a classical and contemporary mode."