News: Northern School of Art – Middlesbrough FC 150th Anniversary Programme Artwork

Middlesbrough FC vs Wrexham Programme featuring artwork by Amelie Smith

Middlesbrough Football Club have partnered with students from The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Illustration degree to create original artwork for this season’s matchday programmes as part of the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The collaboration gives emerging illustrators space to showcase work celebrating the club, its history and its community.

Illustration student Amelie Smith explains, “The brief was to focus on the history of the club, exploring historical players and games, as well as Middlesbrough as a town by looking at iconic landmarks and moments in history.”

The first cover, by student Ace Edwards, launched earlier this month for the league opener against Lincoln City, featuring his Roseberry Topping‑inspired design. Ace said, “It’s been an honour working with my local club and I’ve loved seeing fans’ reactions to the programme covers. I’m especially grateful for the chance to illustrate a beautiful landmark so close to home for such a large audience.”

Amelie’s Carabao Cup cover followed, featuring a duelling red lion and Welsh dragon. “I feel incredibly proud seeing my work on the cover. Seeing the final programme in professional imagery promoting MFC’s game against Wrexham was a bit of a ‘pinch me’ moment. I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to create work like this. I also feel incredibly hopeful. It is deeply inspiring seeing a club like Middlesbrough FC proudly representing and supporting artists and their unique creativity.”

The project builds on last season’s Play Among the Stars fanzine and has been developed with MFC Marketing Manager Matthew Barber, who adds, “It has been a pleasure to work with the students from The Northern School of Art on this project, and to showcase the talent and creativity we have here on Teesside. We’re looking forward to seeing more artwork take pride of place in our matchday programme throughout the season.”

Senior Lecturer of The Northern School of Art, Matthew Burton says, “We’re very proud to have been offered the opportunity for our degree-level illustration and design students to provide the official matchday artwork for the 150th anniversary season. Following the success of the Play Among the Stars illustrated zine produced for both Boro men’s and women’s teams at the close of last season, we are excited to have been given the chance to work officially with the club. We feel that this project will expose the quality of The Northern School of Art students’ work and hopefully allow fans to see the club through a new lens.”

The artwork will continue across all home fixtures throughout the anniversary season, with more student designs to come.

Middlesbrough FC vs Lincoln City Programme artwork bye Ace Edwards