Exclusive: We spoke to the incredible graffiti artist behind iconic Derby County FC mural

If you’re walking through Derby city centre you may have spotted striking graffiti artwork of a leprechaun emblazoned on the wall of Derby’s newest pub, O’Dwyer’s.

The head-turning artwork is just one of many by Darrell Liam Wynne.

The 34-year-old has been a graffiti artist for approximately six years.

He shares his work on social media under the profile @soapspray90

DerbyWorld caught up with one of the city’s hottest talents, to get to know more about Darrell, his creative process and how he really feels when he sees his artwork loved by the public - including a fan who tattooed a DCFC mural onto his leg.

His creative journey has seen Darrell immerse himself in the arts arena, where previously he participated in open mic nights, busked, played guitar and wrote songs.

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It was while playing music that Darrell was first introduced to graffiti work.

He said: “I used to play guitar and sing at the old abandoned train yard at the bottom of Abbey Street in Derby.

“There used to be a big stretch of land there where all painters from around the country would gather, each week the painting would be different.

“I used to be there, and I’d watch them, because I was interested in what they were doing, I’d keep asking them questions.

“I decided to give it a go myself, I need to express myself physically in my work so it’s great.”

Darrell is now one of the region’s leading artists who businesses commission.

One of Darrell’s latest graffiti projects is Irish themed artwork emblazoned on new Derby bar, O'Dwyer’s.

Speaking about how he feels when he sees his artwork appreciated by the public, Darrell said it ‘blows his mind.’

Darrell reflected on his creative journey, from practising street art a few years’ ago, to being commissioned by large companies.

The humble genius said: “Time has gone really fast and with it, my skills have progressed, but I don’t really notice my progression, it’s only others who notice it.”

Inspiration from the world

Like most creatives, Darrell gets inspiration from his surroundings and ‘pretty much everything’ in his life.

His artwork is about ‘stuff people can relate to’ but with a ‘new flair.’

Graffiti artwork of football legend Steve Bloomer

One of Darrell’s most popular graffiti displays is of England international footballer and manager Steve Bloomer.

He played for Derby County and is also their record goal scorer - now immortalised on a city bridge for DCFC fans to enjoy as they make their way to Pride Park Stadium.

Fans have been gushing online about the ‘amazing’ and ‘fantastic’ artwork, something that Darrell says makes him feel ‘better than ever.’

“I’m not a shy person but at the same time it’s overwhelming, it gives you a weird feeling.”

Humble genius who ‘loves engaging with the community’

Some people ‘get in the zone’ during a creative project, we wondered what Darrell was like in the middle of painting a project?

The chatty painter said: “I speak to different people from all walks of life, while I’m doing my paintings.

“I’m forever stopping painting, speaking to people, because I like to engage with the community and chat to everyone.

“So a piece can take me a lot longer because I’m forever speaking to people!

“But it’s all good I would never change that, that’s what it’s all about.”

DCFC tattoo ‘going international’

One fan of Darrell’s artwork, who is also a giant DCFC fan, took his appreciation to the next level by getting the Steve Bloomer graffiti tattooed on his leg.

Darrell said: “There’s a funny story about that.

“My nan was at the airport and she saw this guy with the tattoo.

“So she went up to him and said ‘That’s a nice tattoo,’ the man replied ‘Yeah, it’s by an artist in Derby.’

“So my nan replies ‘’Yeah, that’s by my grandson!’ She’s seen the guy with the tattoo on his leg, on his way to Turkey! It’s a small world!”

Darrell may live in Derby, but his work takes him all over the world.

Belgium, Romania, Majorca and Portugal are just a few countries where Darrell has painted his artwork, at all locations where it is safe and legal to do so.

Speaking about his method of painting abroad, Darrell said: “I travel out and speak to the locals and shops where people buy graffiti artwork supplies.

“They give me locations on Google Maps where to go, where it’s safe and legal.

“I get in the community straight away and people are more than happy to help.

“Graffiti painting is a very big thing in Europe and abroad, compared to Derby and England.

“It is vast out there, they’re on it big abroad, so there are plenty of places to graffiti.”

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Would Darrell ever forgo being ‘loud and proud’ and ‘go incognito’?

Darrell said: “I’m always loud and proud.

“If you produce good work in the right places, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

“I’m always dedicated and proud of what I do, that’s why I make it so ‘out there’ and don’t hold back.”

For more information about Darrell and to see his work follow him on his Instagram page under profile @soapspray90