Back in July 2020 I posted a blog about Arthur Wharton that was titled ‘Black Footballers Matter’, after I came across his grave in Edlington near Yorkshire Mains football ground, where a new headstone had been erected after public subscription to recognise the first black professional footballer in the world.
One of the club’s he played for was Darlington and I found a further dedication to him there. I had visited a newly opened free museum/park, Hopetown. It is well worth visiting particularly this year with us celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Stockton to Darlington railway.
Having made a wrong turn to find a nearby Morrisons I saw an Arthur Wharton mural on the side of a building which housed the Arthur Wharton Foundation. The mural was painted by Jae Kaes who originally hails from Spain but was living in London, a world renowned mural artist.
The Arthur Wharton Foundation was created to celebrate his life as a true national and sporting pioneer. Not only a footballer, he was acclaimed the worlds fastest man at Stamford Bridge in July 1886 when he ran 100 yards in 10 seconds in authentic championship conditions. His cricketing prowess was also appreciated, playing in the very competitive Lancashire and Yorkshire Leagues as both an amateur and a professional. He also spread his talents to Rugby Union playing for Darlington, Rotherham and Heckmondwike.
Truly an amazing man.
Fittingly, opposite the foundation a small football pitch has been squeezed into a piece of grass which hopefully will produce the budding stars of a new generation.
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