After the eight new artworks that will be added to the Emirates Stadium exterior were announced, one in particular would have caught the eye of many Arsenal aficionados.
Remember Who You Are pays homage to the memories and history of our former home, Highbury. This stunning representation of the stadium's East Stand – one of football’s architectural masterpieces – is firmly rooted in the club’s DNA, with special moments in time featuring some of our greatest players and managers included throughout the artwork.
These have been depicted using many 'if you know, you know’ details, which our supporters will appreciate. Here are just some of them - we'll leave the rest for you to search for yourselves!
Reg Lewis & Richard Stubbs
At the start of the consultation process, Reg Lewis’ stepson, Richard Stubbs, spoke to us about his love of visiting his beloved stepfather Reg at Emirates Stadium to speak with him about the previous artwork.
This was a magical insight that the club were keen to maintain for Richard, so the decision was made to keep Reg lower down in the Highbury windows to ensure Richard could honour his tradition of visiting Reg.
Celebrating in style
The bottom left windows also feature Kevin Campbell, David Rocastle, Paul Davis and Michael Thomas, who all played a pivotal role in the 1990/91 league title win (when just one game was lost).
The composition of the legendary players reflects the famous picture of the celebrations in the dressing room after we claimed the title. That image was taken by current club photographer, Stuart MacFarlane.
Arsene Knows
Arsene Wenger is pictured celebrating, arms aloft, as we won the league title at White Hart Lane in 2003/04 on the way to our historic unbeaten season. In the original picture, the ‘ARSENE KNOWS’ flag hangs in the background, unfurled by joyous supporters in the away end.
The banner was a nod to a similar 'GEORGE KNOWS' flag at Highbury, which celebrated George Graham, with both created by season ticket holder Nick True.
Ken Friar’s blueprints
Mr Friar was the driving force behind the move to Emirates Stadium. There was a eureka moment when we realised there was an area at Ashburton Grove – then home to Islington Council’s ‘tip’ – that could accommodate a new stadium.
Previously we had been looking at either playing at Wembley, sharing a stadium at Alexandra Palace with Tottenham Hotspur, or building a new stadium outside the M25.
Bob Wilson and David Seaman
Two of our best-known goalkeepers feature together as Bob was David's mentor and best man at his wedding. The whistle around Bob’s neck signifies the fact he was a PE teacher in Camden when he first played for the club, and as such was the last amateur to represent the Gunners.
The whistle is also a nod to his role in the backroom team as the club’s very first goalkeeping coach.
Jack Kelsey
Another of our great shot-stoppers is pictured in a familiar pose, securely catching a high ball. Later to run the club shop on Avenell Road, Jack also found international fame as a player at the 1958 World Cup when his starring role for Wales saw him lauded by none other than Pele, who played against him for Brazil in that competition.
Alex James
A skilful star of the all-conquering 1930s team, ‘Wee Alec’ was known to beat defender after defender, sit on the ball for a brief rest, and then take on more opponents!
Ted Drake's magnificent seven
The centre-forward scored all seven of our goals in a 7-1 win away to Aston Villa in 1935. Drake rattled in goals in the 15th, 28th, 34th, 46th, 50th, 58th and 89th minutes – and he also hit the bar!
The tally remains an English top-flight record and the seven balls in his window represent this remarkable achievement. Ted's son and great-grandson were involved in every step of the consultation process.
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