A mural depicting England's Black Country stars Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers eating orange chips has appeared outside a Birmingham chip shop, drawing crowds and stopping traffic on Hagley Road West in Quinton. The artwork, created by Dudley artist Dion Kitson, was installed at the Classic Fryer on July 10, ahead of England's World Cup quarter final against Norway.
Artist's Inspiration
Dion Kitson said he came up with the idea after photoshopping an image of the two players in their England kits, each eating the regional delicacy of orange chips. 'I love chips, I love the Black Country, I love Jude and Morgan!' he said. 'No one asked me, I rocked up to the Classic Fryer in Quinton and said I wanna do this mural, the owner didn't hesitate gave me some free chips and 35 minutes later it was up.'
The mural features subtle Midland details, including 'Stourbridge' on Bellingham's shirt and 'Halesowen' on Rogers', referencing their birthplaces in neighbouring Dudley boroughs, along with the Black Country flag. Kitson noted that traffic stopped as people shouted from cars, adding, 'Everyone loves it. I've never seen a reaction like it.'
Chippy Owner's Reaction
Classic Fryer owner Ramesh Kumar, 32, said he was happy to provide space for the poster and praised the artist's work. 'The artist, Dion, has done a really good job. People have come to us for their food, and they really like it. They have been coming and taking selfies.' Kumar also highlighted the chippy's battered orange chips, saying, 'People love them. People try them, and they want to come back to get more.'
Kumar has an England flag up and expressed confidence in the team, stating, 'It's coming home this time! If England win the World Cup, the artist has said he will put another mural up with the trophy!'
Community Buzz
The mural, printed onto a paste-up poster using Photoshop, initially faced difficulties staying up due to heat but is now firmly affixed. The 31-year-old Wolves fan Kitson said the reaction has been unprecedented, with traffic stopping frequently. Whether orange battered chips are the secret to England's World Cup success remains unconfirmed, but the mural has certainly brought a taste of the Black Country to Birmingham.
