Whitley's Art on Show in Manchester

Last updated : 18 June 2005 By Charles

Wrexham midfielder Jim Whitley will show off a range of his portraits in Manchester next week.

Whitley has been purusing his hobby for some time and is already making a name for himself as a portrait painter in his spare time.

Footballers already painted include Real Madrid's David Beckham, Wales international Ryan Giggs, Alan Smith, Peter Schmeichel and Robbie Savage.

Ten portraits and landscapes of Venice will be on show at an exhibition at Manchester City's stadium next week.

Whitley, was a pupil at Ysgol Bryn Alyn in Wrexham before joining Manchester City as a young apprentice at 16.

"When I was at City - especially in my younger days - I would trade a painting for a track suit. It was a cheap way of doing things," said Whitley.

Whitley is currently involved in a project with
Manchester City painting legendary footballers for their website and souvenir shop as well as other footballing icons

Gordon Taylor, PFA chief executive, purchased a portrait of David Beckham .

"It was easy to paint footballers ," Whitley added.

"And it certainly does not affect my football.

"More recently I have been doing a lot more stuff - including landscapes and still life."

Whitley's exhibition will be held at the City of Manchester Stadium on 21 June.