Liverpool-born contemporary artist David Ashman has unveiled portraits of Liverpool FC legends Bill Shankly and Sir Kenny Dalglish as part of his new True Royalty collection.
The artwork was showcased at The ARC Hotel on Anfield Road on Friday 9 October, during the hotel’s official unveiling of the original 1972 ‘This Is Anfield’ sign, which was purchased at auction in September for £115,000.
Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson and members of the Shankly family were among those in attendance for the occasion.
Ashman’s True Royalty collection celebrates influential figures from sport, music and popular culture who have earned their status through talent, dedication and lasting achievements.
Built around the belief that “True royalty isn’t inherited – it’s earned,” the collection explores how individuals become cultural icons whose influence extends far beyond their professional accomplishments.
For Ashman, bringing the collection to Anfield was particularly meaningful. Born in Liverpool before moving to Cumbria, the artist has maintained a lifelong connection with Liverpool FC, with childhood memories of standing on the Kop.
His latest works pay tribute to two of the most influential figures in the club’s history, using typography to create detailed portraits that reflect their achievements and enduring legacies.
Speaking about the collection, Ashman said:
“Shankly and Dalglish are remembered for their extraordinary footballing achievements, but their significance off the pitch reaches beyond results and trophies.
“Both became part of the language, memory, and mythology surrounding Liverpool FC. It’s a real privilege to be here, amongst so much club history, showing work that I hope – in a much smaller way – recognises and celebrates the influence and legacy of these two icons.”
David Ashman’s True Royalty collection
Launched this summer, True Royalty is a limited-edition art collection featuring portraits created using carefully arranged words, lyrics and typography.
Each piece combines individual words and fragments of text to form a recognisable portrait, allowing the artwork to tell a story through both its visual appearance and the language used to create it.
The presentation of each piece is also an important part of the collection.
Every portrait is displayed in a handcrafted wooden frame inspired by the perforated edges of a traditional British postage stamp, reflecting the collection’s exploration of recognition, influence and earned status.
The distinctive framing creates a connection between the idea of royalty and individuals who have achieved iconic status through their own contributions rather than inheritance.
Alongside Shankly and Dalglish, the growing collection includes Liverpool FC figures Mohamed Salah, Bob Paisley and Jürgen Klopp.
Ashman’s artistic approach combines typography, digital media and traditional craftsmanship, with some works also incorporating lenticular techniques.
The artist plans to continue expanding True Royalty with portraits celebrating influential personalities whose achievements and cultural impact have stood the test of time.
For more information about the collection, visit www.trueroyaltyart.com.
