Famous faces drawn on HMS Victory sail replica

Literary giants, Olympic athletes and global superstars are featured on the mural

A variety of famous faces with links to Portsmouth have been drawn on a replica HMS Victory sail.

Hand-sketched in chalk by city artist Pete Codling, the mural includes notable figures like Charles Dickens, Amanda Holden and Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson.

Spanning 17m (55ft) in length and 10m (33ft) in height, it is thought to be the largest charcoal drawing ever created.

Described by Mr Codling as a "tribute" to the city, the art will be displayed in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

It took three years for Mr Codling to finish the artwork

In a bid to "capture the essence" of Portsmouth, Mr Codling incorporated historic battleship HMS Victory by using a replica of one of its sails as a canvas.

Located in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, it is the world's oldest naval vessel still in commission.

Other portraits include former Portsmouth Football Club manager Harry Redknapp and author Neil Gaiman, who was born in nearby Portchester.

Artist Grayson Perry and astronaut Tim Peake, who both studied at the University of Portsmouth, also feature.

In addition, the work contains the face of former Mr Universe Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is rumoured to have trained at a gym in Southsea in the 1960s.

The faces of a number of Portsmouth residents can be seen on the sail

Between the famous faces are hundreds of local residents who Mr Codling sketched during his three-year residency at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

The artist said he wanted to blend together contemporary and historical elements of the city.

"The process has been a journey of discovery and connection with the community, and I hope it stands as a symbol of our shared heritage," he added.

Mr Codling estimates there are about 1000 faces on the mural

The sail will be unveiled at Portsmouth Football Club’s Fratton Park stadium on 27 and 28 July.

After being temporarily rigged onboard HMS Warrior in Portsmouth Harbour, the artwork will be moved semi-permanently to the Dockyard in Boathouse 4.

It is expected to feature in the city’s centenary celebrations in 2026.

The project was funded by Portsmouth Historic Quarter, Arts Council England, and Portsmouth City Council.