First look at massive new Leeds United mural taking shape at local car wash

An iconic new piece of street art celebrating Leeds United’s greatest legends has been unveiled in Beeston - painted by a local artist born and bred in the shadow of Elland Road.

The massive mural, painted across a century-old red brick wall at Andy Taylor’s new Leeds United-themed car wash on Elland Road, is the work of local artist Robert Endeacott.

Robert, who grew up in Beeston and drank at The Peacock before matches, spotted the unused brick wall two years ago and pitched the idea directly to Taylor.

"There was this huge red brick wall just standing there completely randomly, unused for what must have been decades," Robert told the Yorkshire Evening Post. "I noticed Andy’s email address on the side of his van, so I emailed him and said, 'Look, I do a few murals - would you give me the chance to paint some Leeds United murals on your wall?'

“He was very keen, so we got our heads together."

The sprawling artwork features club icons including Billy Bremner, Don Revie, and Bobby Collins.

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For Endeacott, bringing Collins to life on such a large scale was a personal highlight.

"Billy Bremner is an essential one, of course, but Bobby Collins really sums up Leeds United," Endeacott explained. "When Bobby joined in 1963, the standards of the club just went sky-high thanks to one man - on and off the pitch.

“He exemplified that grit and determination. He had his own little motto about opponents: 'He might be a good player technically, but would he kill his grandma to keep the ball?' That was Bobby Collins all over."

Prepping and painting a century-old wall was no small feat, requiring multiple undercoats and a custom grid system to transfer the historic photo onto the brickwork.

"It was hard work, but a complete labor of love," Robert added. "I'm immensely proud. I'm born and bred in Beeston, so that's my neighborhood.

“I wanted to put something good out there for everyone to share. I hope the fans and the readers enjoy it as much as I loved painting it."