'Rising star' remembered with mural

The artwork is opposite a cafe where Faye Fantarrow used to perform. Pictured left to right are Sharon Appleby of Sunderland BID, Professor Angela Smith of Sunderland University, Laura Brewis of We Make Culture and artist Kathryn Robertson

A singer-songwriter who died aged just 21 has been honoured with a mural.

The portrait of musician Faye Fantarrow, in High Street West, Sunderland, also marks her being recognised in a project celebrating the achievements of women linked to the city.

Organisers of Rebel Women of Sunderland said they felt it was "really important" Faye was honoured.

The musician died in August 2023 almost a year after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

Laura Brewis, who is part of the project, said: "It felt really important after Faye's passing last year that she was honoured in the same way.

"She was a huge musical talent, she was a rising star."

The mural, opposite the city's Pop Recs, where Faye used to perform, was created by Kathryn Robertson.

Ms Brewis said Faye's family had seen it and "really love it".

"For them, it's kind of a place that they can go and basically have a cup of tea in Pop Recs and kind of be with Faye. They're really pleased with it."

Strong connection to city

Rebel Women of Sunderland started in 2019, with illustrations and stories originally highlighting 10 women including journalist Kate Adie and footballers Steph Houghton and Jill Scott.

More women have been added to the group each year on International Women’s Day.

Faye's mural is the first outdoor artwork from the project, with paste-ups of the city's first MP Dr Marion Phillips and Sunderland-born singer Emeli Sandé showcased too.

Sharon Appleby, chief executive of Sunderland BID, said she hoped Faye's portrait would help raise awareness.

"These women are all remarkable in their own way and have achieved so much in everything from politics to the arts, from sport to education," she said.

"What they have in common is they all have a strong connection to the city and it is amazing to be able to share their stories and to continue to honour them."