Sir Patrick Stewart mural given nieces' approval

A new mural depicting legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart in his West Yorkshire hometown has been praised by his nieces.

Sir Patrick, known not only for his film roles but also his performances in classical theatre, died on Thursday aged 86.

Artist Steve Braun appealed on social media to find a location for the artwork in tribute to the Star Trek and X-Men star.

The monochrome mural, painted on the side of craft beer shop Sup Mirfield, was visited by his nieces Julie Kershaw and Anne Hirst on Wednesday.

"When you're growing up you don't single out one uncle and think one day they're going to be famous, they're just your uncle and you just rub along together like other families do," said Anne.

Julie said: "We used to play games and charades - he was very good at charades, we were always a bit nervous thinking he was going to judge us but he never did."

She said the outpouring of love and support from fans since his death had been touching and "lovely to see".

Anne said: "It's very humbling to hear all these lovely things that people have said about 'just your uncle'.

"It is very much appreciated."

Born in Mirfield in 1940, Sir Patrick's love of drama began at school where he was introduced to Shakespeare and his first public performance was in a local church production of Cinderella.

Anne said the mural had "really captured him".

She added: "It's in a spot where a lot of people are going to see him, isn't it.

"I really like it."

Speaking about the search for a location for the tribute, the artist said: "I put a post on social media and I had a couple of replies from local businesses.

"It's a nice spot to do it, it should get a fair few eyes on it.

"I'm hoping to do another one at a pub down the road too."

Tom Coates, co-owner of Sup Mirfield, said: "We had the news last week of Sir Patrick's passing, we saw Steve had put a message out and he was looking for a way to pay tribute.

"We were also looking for a way to pay tribute, so it was a perfect marriage really.

"He has done an absolutely fantastic job - it is a credit to him, the talent he's got."

Coates said "you can't underestimate how big Patrick is for Mirfield", adding the mural "couldn't get a better endorsement" than one from the star's family.

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