Mosaic artist unveils Southampton FC tribute at Fratton Park

Will Rosie, known as Mr Mosaic, created a mosaic artwork titled 'Mr Saints' featuring a Mr Man character in a Southampton FC shirt. He placed this piece on the wall of Portsmouth's Fratton Park, home of their rival team, Portsmouth FC, as a humorous gesture to highlight the rivalry between the two clubs. The installation was temporary, using a non-permanent adhesive, and was quickly removed after security noticed it. Rosie aimed to promote a light-hearted approach to the intense rivalry that exists among football fans. He noted that while there is significant animosity, many Portsmouth supporters appreciated the humor behind his work. This act was reminiscent of a local legend where Portsmouth fans allegedly buried a team shirt under Southampton's St Mary's stadium during its construction. Mr Mosaic has been creating and displaying tile mosaics of cartoon characters since 2007, with a focus on public art. His choice of Mr Men characters stems from their recognizability and their status as a cherished part of English culture. Through his art, he seeks to foster community spirit and encourage public engagement with art, demonstrating that creativity can bridge divides, even in competitive sports environments.