Anthony Barrow

Wigan artist to create horse hair pictures

He shaved Hedgehunter at the finish to win the 2006 Grand National.
But now Numbersixvalverde has been left follically challenged by a Wigan artist.
Anthony Barrow, from Spring View, has been commissioned by Wigan-based totesport to produce these stunning paintings of celebs, using horse hair from the former winner.

And former postie Anthony has certainly done Gordon Ramsay, John McCririck and Johnny Vegas proud.

The finished articles will be exhibited at the Aintree meeting this weekend and then auctioned to raise money for the official charity of the Grand National, Alder Hey Children's Hospital's Imagine Appeal.

Anthony said: "This is certainly the most unusual commission I have ever undertaken, but it was a great challenge.

"I chopped the hair into small pieces and mixed it with acrylic paint and PVA glue then used it to paint the shadows and main features of each celebrity. The outcome is a very unusual portrait and I am pleased with the finished results."

Paul Petrie, totesport spokesman, said: "The Grand National is all about bringing horseracing to the attention of as many people as possible and we thought that this project would help do just that.

"It is a unique piece of art and the fact that the hair used was from a past Grand National winner should make it a great collector's item."
Jayne Hauxwell, from the Imagine Appeal, added: "It's a fantastic way to raise funds and awareness for the largest children's hospital in Europe.

"Imagine aims to improve the quality of life for all children in hospital. We have always been well supported by the racing industry and we thank totesport, John Smith's, and the jockeys in particular for their continued support."
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