Giant portrait of Tom Jones created at Cardiff Castle for 80th Birthday

Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn celebrates Sir Tom Jones’ 80th birthday by unveiling a GIANT outdoor portrait in the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

“I knew I had to do something to celebrate Sir Tom’s big birthday, so I thought why not create something HUGE! Inspired by his song Green, Green Grass Of Home, I got permission from Cardiff Castle to make the tribute.

It took me almost 8 hours to complete, 12 bags of soil and measures 17 meters long!”

“I love creating art that comments and reflects the time, often making statement pieces as well as joyful, fun ones too. With a huge birthday like this, and being a proud Welsh valleys boy myself, I just couldn’t pass up on the opportunity. I’ve presented art to the likes of Dame Shirley Bassey, Catherine Zeta Jones, Kelly Jones and Michael Sheen… but Sir Tom is still on my wish list… maybe one day I’ll meet the man”

“A lot of my work is perishable, which is something I’ve had to get used to over the years. Often using food, recycling materials etc and now of course Mother Nature will remove this piece too. I find that exciting though – the video of its creation acts like a performance piece and it lives on in memory and photos.”

“Obviously the idea would’ve been perfect to create in his actual hometown of Pontypridd, however current Covid-19 lockdown restrictions mean I can’t travel from Cardiff to there. However the castle grounds are iconic throughout the world, so I really hope this acts as a celebration not just on behalf of myself, but all of Wales.”

“Sir Tom to me, is the ultimate Welsh Icon. Wherever I go in the world, when I say I’m from Wales, the response is “oh like Tom Jones!” And I love that! What a legacy.”