An artist was inspired to produce a painting of die-hard Pompey fan John Westwood who epitomises the saying “never judge a book by its cover”.
Sheryl Elaine Pape has released the painting as part of her Petersfield Portraits series with her captivated by the local figure’s impact in very different settings.
John, the renowned loud and unmissable Pompey fanatic, is also the quiet custodian of the historic Petersfield Bookshop, where he spends much of his time surrounded by shelves of rare and antiquarian books.
The stark contrast between the energy of the football terraces and the serene intellectual atmosphere of the bookshop is something Sheryl felt inspired to capture in the piece.
The artwork is now being released as a limited edition run of 500 prints, with a percentage of proceeds being donated to Pompey in the Community, the charity connected to Portsmouth Football Club.
Sheryl said she was in awe of the Petersfield Bookshop, which “felt like walking into another world” and was the “kind of place where every shelf seems to hold a little piece of history”.
“As an artist, I’m always drawn to places with character, and this shop has it everywhere you look,” the artist said.
“The worn spines, the stacked shelves, and even forecourt outside where people quietly sit and read.
“Inside, you’ll find everything from rare and antiquarian books to beautiful old editions, unexpected second-hand finds. And shelves of new titles waiting to be discovered.”
She continued: “And it’s here that you begin to understand Pompey John who epitomises the saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’.
“He is a lifelong football fanatic and passionate Portsmouth FC supporter. And at the same time, the quiet custodian of an antiquarian bookshop, John embodies two worlds rarely seen together.
“Passion and patience. Chaos and Clarity. The roar of the crowd balanced with the hush of turning pages.
“His love for the game is contagious. Watching John on a matchday, his energy is impossible to miss.
“He doesn’t simply stand among the fans; he encourages them. His voice is often the first to rise, his belief relentless, his presence setting the tone around him.
“Through both triumph and setback, his loyalty never falters. Seeing him in that space for myself, it was clear that his leadership is organic and unforced, rooted entirely in devotion. A reminder of what it truly means to stand behind your club.”
Sheryl added: “I painted John as part of my Petersfield Portraits series, and from the beginning this piece felt centred in community.
“It captures John not just as a person, but as a presence, enigmatic yet approachable, kind, well-mannered and quietly powerful.
“There is strength here, but never arrogance; a grounded confidence shaped by loyalty, curiosity, and character.
“This is more than a portrait. It’s about character, belonging, and supporting the people and places that matter.”
