An iconic life-sized painting of 1972 and 1982 world snooker champion Alex Higgins is heading for auction.
The eight-foot long painting was the last portrait of the Belfast native before his death due to long-term struggles with health in 2010.
Higgins, who was at the forefront of snooker’s boom in popularity across the 1970s and 1980s, would have celebrated his 76th birthday on March 18th next Tuesday.
The Northern Irishman twice reached a career-high of number two in the world snooker rankings.
His other accolades included becoming a two-time Masters champion – winning the prestigious invitational tournament in 1978 and 1981 – and the UK champion in 1983.
At the time, Higgins was only the third player after Steve Davis and Terry Griffiths to claim what would later become known as the career Triple Crown.
It was Davis in particular who Higgins shared a box-office rivalry with, the pair known for their polar-opposite traits in personality.
Throughout the 1980s when snooker’s popularity in the UK and Ireland was at an all-time high, they were both household names.
Indeed, Higgins became just as famous for his appearances on the front pages of newspapers as he did for his write-ups on sports pages at the back.
Nicknamed the Hurricane, he boasted a natural talent to entertain on the table but could possess a fiery temperament that alienated him from many off it.
Higgins struggled to cope with his addictions to alcohol, smoking, and gambling – with some of these vices featured in the painting by artist Alan Quigley.
There is a cigarette illustrated on top of his cue, while playing cards can be seen tucked into the pocket of his pants.
The painting – signed by Alex Higgins himself – could be seen at the Merchant Hotel in Higgins’ home city of Belfast for almost ten years.
Now, however, the oil depiction that was once featured on the BBC One Show is heading for auction as it goes in search of a new permanent home.
“I think with this painting I have to some extent captured the genius of the man and hinted at his vulnerability and his loneliness,” Irish artist Quigley said in 2010.
“His wish at that time was that it be exhibited in a prominent venue and [for it to find] a suitable home.”
For more information about the Alex Higgins painting that is currently on sale
Contact:
Mr. Teddy Hayes – +44-7961327652
valued.artplus@gmail.com
www.valued-art.com
Photo credit: Teddy Hayes ; Alan Quigley
