Growing up, The Subversive Stitcher found Saturdays on ITV taken over by World of Sport, hosted by Dickie Davies, and its larger-than-life characters such as Big Daddy, Kendo Nagasaki and Giant Haystacks. Matches often ended by cutting back to a laughing Dickie Davies in the studio, and these masculine figures, with their trademark costumes and well-practised moves, never failed to delight.
Big Daddy was a particular favourite. The artist loved that his real name was Shirley Crabtree, which in her view “sounded more like a girl from a typing pool than a chunky middle-aged man in a one-piece leotard”. This work captures both sides of him: the wrestling persona, Big Daddy, and the man he really was, Shirley Crabtree.
Part of the Wrestle Room exhibition at Atom Gallery, 10 October – 31 October 2026.
Artist: The Subversive Stitcher
Medium: Photograph with material embellishments
Dimensions: 36 x 42 x 2 cm
Edition: Unique (1 of 1)
Year: 2026
Growing up, The Subversive Stitcher found Saturdays on ITV taken over by World of Sport, hosted by Dickie Davies, and its larger-than-life characters such as Big Daddy, Kendo Nagasaki and Giant Haystacks. Matches often ended by cutting back to a laughing Dickie Davies in the studio, and these masculine figures, with their trademark costumes and well-practised moves, never failed to delight.
Big Daddy was a particular favourite. The artist loved that his real name was Shirley Crabtree, which in her view “sounded more like a girl from a typing pool than a chunky middle-aged man in a one-piece leotard”. This work captures both sides of him: the wrestling persona, Big Daddy, and the man he really was, Shirley Crabtree.
Part of the Wrestle Room exhibition at Atom Gallery, 10 October – 31 October 2026.
Artist: The Subversive Stitcher
Medium: Photograph with material embellishments
Dimensions: 36 x 42 x 2 cm
Edition: Unique (1 of 1)
Year: 2026
