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A painting inspired by one of the most notorious incidents that ever took place at a Tyne-Wear derby is to go on sale this week - for £1,100.

It is the work of artist Sam Wood who based it on a photograph depicting the shocking moment a Newcastle United fan squared up to a police horse before punching it.

“It was an amazing image and one that stirred a lot of emotions,” said Sam.

“It’s an image people respond to and captures a certain moment in time.”

(Image: Sam Wood)

It was in April 2013 in the aftermath of Newcastle’s 3-0 home defeat to arch rivals Sunderland that Barry Rogerson from Bedlington, Northumberland, punched the police horse called Bud. Rogerson pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to violent disorder and was sentenced to a year in jail.

Ironically Sam initially got into a bit of bother himself with the photographer who took the picture of the incident he based the painting on without first asking permission. However the artist said the issue has now been resolved.

It is one of a collection of his recent paintings which will preview this week on Friday, September 7 until September 15.

Sam, 24, from Newcastle is a full-time artist with a growing reputation after being picked out by the Financial Times in a feature titled ‘Invest in the Leading Artists of Tomorrow.’

He graduated from Newcastle College with a degree in Art specialising in painting, and has recently completed his BA Honours in Fine Art at Falmouth University, Cornwall.

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Working in oil paint, Sam creates large pictures responding to the condition of city life. His work is inspired by the iconic and historic architecture, which Newcastle is renowned for.

Sam said he is also drawn to the unusual corners of the city, forcing the viewer to reflect on different aspects of Newcastle.

There are around 15 works on show at the @24 High Bridge gallery in Newcastle which range in price from prints starting at £40 to his larger oil paintings selling for hundreds of pounds.

It is Sam’s largest solo event to date, having had his work on display at various galleries across the city including the Biscuit Factory.

And it is already generating a bit of a stir.

Sam said: “Some of the work went into the window this week and there was a £1,000 offer for the (horse punch) painting.”

However he had to put the potential purchaser off until Friday’s preview.

• Sam Wood’s ‘Visions of Newcastle’, @24 High Bridge, Newcastle, preview from September 7, 6pm to late (free wine and DJ), continues until September 15.