Best At The Offside Gallery

By londonist_alex2 Last edited 220 months ago
Best At The Offside Gallery
George_Best_2_LR.jpg

No matter what you may think of George Best as a human being, do not underestimate the fact that to a great many members of this country's post-war generation, he really mattered.

For those of us who are not old enough to have seen Best in his (all too brief) prime, our memories of the man will have been shaped by tabloid headlines and that shambolic appearance on Wogan. So it is understandable if there are many who might find themselves shaking their heads at the footballer's rapid canonisation. But we only saw one part of the picture, we never saw the young man who ushered in a new era, who represented real and lasting change, the bastard son of Elvis Presley and Stanley Matthews.

If you would like to see Best as he wanted us to remember him, then take a trip to our friends at the Offside Bar & Gallery , who have just launched a new photgraphic exhibition to celebrate his life.

The collection of photographs in the exhibition are sourced from the archive of the French daily newspaper L'Equipe, and are classic late 60's iconic 'black and whites', including both portrait and action shots.

Offside Sports Photography Managing Director and reknowned football photographer Mark Leech said, "I'm from the generation that actually saw him play and in the last few days have felt the loss of such a great footballer.

We have some great photos in the Offside archive from the French newspaper L'Equipe which we felt would form a fitting tribute to such a brilliant player".

General Manager of the Offside Bar & Gallery Lorcan Devine commented, "I saw George play in the late sixties and he was my absolute hero. He's the reason I have supported Manchester United all my life. The exhibition is just a

small tribute and farewell to the Belfast Boy".

The exhibition runs to mid December and admission is free. The Offside Bar & Gallery opens between 12am and 11pm.

Some other bits and bobs we've seen on Best....

* An amazing video of some of his best bits, put together by Manchester United fans.

* From The Times, Simon Barnes and Danny Baker on Best.

* Wikipedia entry

Last Updated 30 November 2005