Each Premier League membership’s stadium plans – from new stands to floor strikes

Because the Premier League will get larger and greater, so – it appears – do the stadiums that play host to it.

The overwhelming majority of golf equipment within the high flight have both drawn up plans to increase their grounds to service the overwhelming demand or are poised to open gleaming new stands – or, in some instances, open new stadiums altogether.

Right here, our consultants information you thru what every membership has performed to their residence floor and what might come subsequent, plus how we rated every stadium in our rankings revealed final month.

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Arsenal: Emirates Stadium

Present capacity: 60,704

What The Athletic mentioned: “The Emirates has its critics, but it surely now delivers the ambiance, services, accessibility and product any sports activities fan would anticipate from the Premier League.”

The Athletic rating: 4th

When was the final redevelopment work performed? Arsenal haven’t redeveloped Emirates Stadium with reference to measurement since transferring from Highbury in 2006.

The newest work performed was the revamped paintings across the exterior of the stadium in January 2023. The choice to redecorate was made a yr earlier and was delivered to life by consulting with followers earlier than artists and specialists, reminiscent of Reuben Dangoor, Jeremy Deller and David Rudnick, have been commissioned to make the paintings.

Eight panels have been created in whole to show the membership’s worldwide, native and historic impression throughout males’s, ladies’s and academy soccer.

What comes subsequent? As issues stand, no redevelopment work is deliberate. Alongside the brand new stadium paintings rolled out earlier this yr, Arsenal unveiled a statue of former supervisor Arsene Wenger exterior the Emirates.

The Frenchman, who managed the membership for 22 years and received three league titles, visited the stadium forward of the brand new season to see the work.

The Emirates has the fifth largest capability within the Premier League, with three of the 4 bigger stadiums (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London Stadium and Anfield) both constructed or redeveloped after that date.

Present capability: 42,530

What The Athletic mentioned: “A packed-out Villa Park is a particular place to be. When it will get going, there is no such thing as a place fairly prefer it.”

The Athletic rating: seventh

When was the final redevelopment work performed? Villa Park final underwent main redevelopment within the 2000-01 marketing campaign, constructing an even bigger Trinity Street Stand, which was constructed from scratch. There was an urge for food for additional enlargement since, with the membership now nearer to the specified redevelopment than they’ve been in over 20 years.

What comes subsequent? So that is the difficult half. The intention is to extend the capability by 8,000, increasing Villa Park to 50,000 by 2027, the season earlier than Euro 2028, for which it’s a host stadium. This includes pulling down the North Stand utterly earlier than wrapping it into the connecting Trinity Street Stand.

Nevertheless, progress has been sluggish and new, revised plans are anticipated to be launched earlier than the top of the yr. Inflation has taken maintain since preliminary plans have been drawn up and different issues, reminiscent of the shortage of transport and on-site parking round Villa Park, require additional feasibility research, as do adjustments to the proposed work exterior of Villa Park, reminiscent of a ‘Field Park’-type space named ‘Villa Dwell’.

A stadium rebuild is more likely to want an settlement with Birmingham Metropolis Council and Mayor Andy Road over talks concerning the redevelopment of the native prepare station, Witton. It is going to value the council round £30million and is vital in easing the footfall across the stadium and assembly UEFA pointers of getting between 60-80 per cent of supporters attending the European Championship arriving on public transport.

There was no settlement but and, underneath time constraints liable to not adhering to UEFA pointers, there’s a urgent want for plans to be finalised. However there are query marks as as to if the council will spend the cash on the station when its price range is already stretched. 

Jacob Tanswell

Present capability: 11,307

What The Athletic mentioned: “There’s little discernible character. The help is welcoming, however the whole lot feels a bit non permanent.”

The Athletic rating: twentieth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? Regardless of beauty touches to the stadium since Invoice Foley’s arrival as proprietor, Bournemouth’s earlier redevelopment was performed in 2013, two years earlier than the membership have been promoted to the Premier League for the primary time, with the Ted MacDougall Stand being unveiled by the person himself. Extremely, Actual Madrid took half in an exhibition match to mark the event.

What comes subsequent? With Foley eager to extend income streams and drive the business worth of the membership, Bournemouth are assessing whether or not to redevelop the Vitality Stadium or construct a brand new floor. Presently, they’re plans, utilizing information, ticketing data and feasibility research, to scope the precise aspect for a stadium which might enhance the capability. Beforehand, Foley has outlined his need for a 20,000-seater stadium.

The instant precedence is constructing a brand new coaching floor at Canford Magna, transferring away from the non permanent coaching pavilion adjoining to Vitality Stadium. A 3G pitch has been put in and as soon as the advanced is in operation, gamers will transfer there, with the pavilion for use for workplace employees, presumably releasing up house contained in the stadium for hospitality renovation. In that interval, Bournemouth might look to press forward with plans on what subsequent to do with the present stadium.

Jacob Tanswell

Brentford: Gtech Group Stadium

Present capacity: 17,250

What The Athletic mentioned: “It is likely one of the smallest grounds within the high two divisions, however none of that detracts from its appeal.”

The Athletic rating: eighth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? Brentford solely moved from Griffin Park to their new floor in September 2020. There have been just a few minor beauty adjustments, with a brand new poster put in on the aspect, however the greatest work has been to put in protected standing.

Limitations have been put in on 1,700 seats within the West Stand and have been examined at matches in the course of the Girls’s European Championship final yr earlier than being totally rolled out for the 2022-23 season.

What comes subsequent? The Gtech Group Stadium is constructed on a decent triangular piece of land, which is sandwiched between a number of railway traces and blocks of flats. Even when Brentford needed to extend the capability sooner or later, the tight restrictions make it unimaginable. For now, they’re more than pleased of their shiny new residence, which chief govt Jon Varney calls “small however completely fashioned”.

Jay Harris

Brighton & Hove Albion: Amex Stadium

Present capability: 31,876

What The Athletic shelp: “Neat, well-equipped and match for objective, it symbolises the spirit of the membership and its supporters.”

The Athletic rating: sixteenth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? A tunnel membership opened in the beginning of the season, becoming a member of related services at Manchester Metropolis and Tottenham.

For a complete value of slightly below £30,000 for at least three years, members see the gamers within the tunnel by means of one-way glass in a fantastic eating restaurant earlier than watching matches in luxurious heated seats above the tunnel within the three-tier west stand.

What comes subsequent? There aren’t any plans for additional main works contained in the Amex, which opened in 2011. The capability elevated from 22,500 to shut to the present determine a yr later, with the addition of the higher tier to the two-tier east stand.

A serious facelift is within the pipeline on the walkway surrounding the stadium, with plans submitted to Brighton & Hove Council for a lined fan zone, which can be out there on non-match days for sports activities screenings, music gigs and different leisure occasions. The mission is anticipated to open subsequent season.

In the meantime, Brighton are urgent forward with plans to construct a second stadium within the metropolis, designed particularly for ladies’s soccer.

Andy Naylor

Burnley: Turf Moor

Present capability: 21,744

What The Athletic mentioned: “Burnley is a correct soccer city and it feels prefer it. However whereas all locations get chilly, it might probably really feel notably chilly.”

The Athletic rating: seventeenth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? The final addition to the stadium was the 2 nook stands, both aspect of the Jimmy McIlroy Stand, constructed to enhance incapacity services and stadium accessibility. They have been opened in 2019.

Since ALK Capital’s arrival, enhancing the expertise at Turf Moor has been a key precedence. They’ve added LED digital indicators inside and across the floor and revamped and upgraded the membership’s hospitality areas across the floor.

What comes subsequent? There look like no imminent plans for any radical adjustments at Turf Moor. The bottom’s place, so near a street and neighbouring Burnley Cricket Membership’s floor, makes any extension a problem and is arguably not required anyway.

The possession group stays dedicated to persevering with to make minor enhancements and upgrades to the stadium as and when required, as what they inherited wanted modernising.

The membership did just lately decide to implementing protected standing in an space of the bottom, as they goal to seek out methods to enhance Turf Moor’s ambiance. These plans are nonetheless within the early levels.

Andy Jones

Chelsea: Stamford Bridge

Present capability: 40,173

What The Athletic mentioned: “As every year goes by, the bottom reveals extra indicators of age, however there is no such thing as a different place Chelsea followers would moderately be.”

The Athletic rating: ninth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? The final important change made was the constructing of a brand new West Stand, which opened in 2001. It seats 13,500 and can also be the place VIP bins, perform halls and suites are housed.

Since Chelsea have been purchased by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake consortium in 2022, some minor adjustments, primarily ornamental, have been made to attempt to enhance the fan expertise.

What comes subsequent? It is a query nonetheless to be answered. The Athletic cowl the present scenario in much more depth right here and it’s definitely advanced.

Chelsea’s floor now ranks as solely the tenth greatest membership venue in England. From the second the takeover was accomplished, determining whether or not to rebuild or transfer elsewhere has been a precedence.

They spent within the area of £70m-£80m to buy 1.2 acres of land subsequent to Stamford Bridge from Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions, however have but to decide to constructing a brand new floor on web site.

Redeveloping Stamford Bridge will imply taking part in at one other venue for as much as 5 years whereas work is carried out. Constructing some other place is an choice and going to the place the previous Earls Court docket Exhibition Centre was once is being thought-about.

However final week, the corporate in command of overseeing the redevelopment of the 40-acre web site – Earls Court docket Improvement Firm – denied {that a} new floor was a part of their plans.

Simon Johnson

Crystal Palace: Selhurst Park

Present capability: 25,486

What The Athletic mentioned: “The bottom’s soul is among the many greatest within the nation. There’s a group heat that may be onerous to seek out at different London golf equipment.”

The Athletic rating: 18th

When was the final redevelopment work performed? Selhurst Park has not undergone main work for many years. Minor enhancements have been undertaken since promotion to the Premier League in 2013 and the Primary Stand had an inside refit, however there have been no substantial adjustments for the reason that Holmesdale Street Finish was transformed from terracing in 1994, whereas a TV gantry required upon promotion has considerably obstructed the view from the again of the Arthur Wait stand, a degree not misplaced on visiting followers.

What comes subsequent? The beginning of constructing work on a brand new 13,500-capacity Primary Stand stand and enhancing different areas of the bottom that celebrates its one hundredth anniversary subsequent yr has moved considerably nearer after the relocation of close by residents was accomplished.

The expectation is that work will begin on the finish of the season and probably open in time for the beginning of the 2026-27 season, however prices have already ballooned to round £150million. It’s anticipated to be funded by means of a capital name of the membership’s shareholders.

Matt Woosnam

Everton: Goodison Park

Present capability: 39,414

What The Athletic mentioned: “The Previous Woman could also be a pensioner, however it’s a venerable outdated expensive, bursting with historical past.”

The Athletic rating: 14th

When was the final redevelopment work performed? Enhancements are made to Goodison on a reasonably common foundation, though the final stand to bear a significant redevelopment was the Park Finish in 1994. The principle focus for Everton has been growing the brand new web site at Bramley-Moore Dock.

What comes subsequent? Everton keep that the brand new stadium mission is each on time and on price range, with work scheduled to be accomplished by the top of 2024.

A move-in date for the stadium – which has been chosen as one of many host venues for Euro 2028 – has but to be finalised, however the membership is liaising with supporters on numerous choices, together with a possible opening in the beginning of the 2025-26 season.

Followers are nonetheless ready to listen to how the rest of the mission, which is anticipated to value round £760million together with ancillary works, can be funded, though Miami-based 777 Companions has dedicated to making sure its completion as a part of their takeover settlement with Farhad Moshiri. Final week’s Premier League factors deduction for breaking revenue and sustainability guidelines isn’t anticipated to have an effect on the stadium plans.

Patrick Boyland

Fulham: Craven Cottage

Present capability: 24,500

What The Athletic mentioned: “The stroll to Craven Cottage units it aside. There isn’t a soccer stadium prefer it.”

The Athletic rating: fifteenth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? The final main work undertaken at Craven Cottage was within the early 2000s when the bottom was reworked into an all-seater area within the aftermath of their top-flight promotion in 2001. Since then, there have been beauty adjustments across the floor, with small capability will increase. The newest noticed the dressing rooms expanded contained in the Cottage in 2022 to accommodate the additional substitutes required within the Premier League.

What comes subsequent? The redevelopment of the Riverside Stand has been years within the making. It was first mooted earlier than Mohamed Al Fayed bought the membership in 2013, but it surely has now been realised underneath Shahid Khan. The goal is to carry year-round income streams into Fulham by means of a four-star resort, a members membership, a well being membership and eating places, bars and different facilities.

Work started in 2019 and it was initially anticipated to open in 2021. Nevertheless, attributable to a variety of points, together with the Covid-19 pandemic and the complexity of constructing on the river itself, the total re-opening has been pushed again thrice. Because it stands, the mission is within the fit-out stage, with solely 4,968 spectator seats out there. Hospitality areas will open subsequent yr, with extra seating forward of the 2024-25 season. The resort and personal members membership could not open till 2025.

As soon as accomplished, the brand new stand will enhance Craven Cottage’s capability to 29,600. It has confirmed costly for Khan, with prices over £130million. It’s hoped the services will guarantee Fulham may be run sustainably on the highest degree, in addition to offering a brand new walkway alongside the River Thames. In the long run, Fulham additionally intend to construct a pier on the river. Nevertheless, this stays within the pre-planning levels.

Peter Rutzler

Present capability: 54,074

What The Athletic mentioned: “You’ll By no means Stroll Alone earlier than kick-off is certainly one of soccer’s particular experiences. Anfield can take you on a wild experience you might not need to finish.”

The Athletic rating: fifth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? The final main growth at Anfield was the redevelopment of the Primary Stand, which was accomplished in 2016. The £100million mission added an additional 8,500 seats to Anfield, rising the capability to 54,000.

What comes subsequent? Liverpool are within the means of finishing the £80million redevelopment of the Anfield Street stand, which has been hit by delays since work started in September 2021 and won’t be totally open till 2024.

The brand new stand will add 7,000 seats to Anfield and enhance the capability to 61,000. Preliminary plans have been to have the stand prepared for the beginning of the 2023-24 season, however the membership introduced in July that solely the decrease tier can be open for the primary residence recreation of the season in opposition to Bournemouth as work continued on the higher tier.

The goal was to have the higher tier open following the September worldwide break. Nevertheless, Buckingham Group, who have been chosen to supervise the development, entered administration in early September. Work on the stand stopped for a interval. It precipitated Liverpool to delay the timeframe once more from October 2023 to an unspecified date in 2024.

With tickets already bought for the higher tier, the membership needed to ask followers with tickets elsewhere within the floor to return them to the membership in the event that they weren’t planning on attending.

The method to discover a new contractor was intensive, with Preston-based Rayner Rowen put in and the positioning is now totally purposeful once more. The subsequent steps are ongoing as work in direction of completion continues, though the stand isn’t set to be totally open till properly into 2024, in keeping with a number of individuals contacted by The Athletic. It’s a important monetary blow, with Liverpool lacking out on additional income of roughly £750,000 per match with capability down 11,000.

Andy Jones

Luton City: Kenilworth Street

Present capacity: 11,050

What The Athletic said: “You received’t hear an environment prefer it. The stroll into the away finish by means of neighbouring terraced housing actually is enjoyable, too.”

The Athletic rating: nineteenth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? Luton City spent round £10million to improve Kenilworth Street forward of the 2023-23 season to carry it as much as Premier League requirements and necessities. The upgrades elevated the stadium’s capability from 10,356 – which might have made it the lowest-ever capability within the Premier League.

The principle physique of renovations centred on renewing the Bobbers Stand, which homes a tv gantry in addition to seats for followers. The primary Premier League residence recreation in opposition to Burnley needed to be postponed as works have been accomplished.

What comes subsequent? Energy Court docket Stadium. Luton are saying goodbye to their residence since 1905 and are hoping to begin works on a brand new web site within the metropolis centre subsequent to Luton railway station, which may have an preliminary capability of 19,500. A second part of growth might see 4,000 seats added.

“The subsequent part now’s an engagement with Luton Council and key stakeholders, such because the Surroundings Company and Historic England, as we take all of them by means of our detailed design course of,” chief working officer Michael Moran mentioned in Might 2023. “We’re additionally partaking with contractors as we finalise sure building options, however our goal for completion is 2026, whatever the membership’s league place.”

Manchester Metropolis: Etihad Stadium

Present capability: 53,400

What The Athletic mentioned: “It’s akin to visiting a soccer theme park, however it could by no means have that remaining piece of intangible soul that Maine Street had.”

The Athletic rating: eleventh

When was the final redevelopment work performed? Metropolis unveiled their new-look South Stand in a recreation in opposition to Chelsea in August 2015, an event additionally remembered for Eliaquim Mangala’s fantastic debut. The enlargement added 6,250 seats to a brand new third tier, one other 1,500 seats across the pitch and additional hospitality areas.

What comes subsequent? An much more formidable enlargement that may add 5,000 seats to the North Stand is now full steam forward. In accordance with the membership’s web site, the plans embody a “bigger, single higher tier above the present decrease tier”, which is able to enhance the Etihad’s capability to over 60,000.

There can even be a lined fan space with capability for 3,000 individuals in addition to a brand new membership store, museum, workplace areas and a 400-bed resort. The resort, which is scheduled to open in 2026, can even serve the brand new 23,500-capacity Co-op Dwell music area, which opens near the stadium in Might.

Constructing on the north stand is scheduled for completion in August 2025.

Sam Lee

Present capability: 74,031

What The Athletic mentioned: “Components look old-fashioned and the roof is leaking, however the scale of the place is mighty and it comes with a particular ambiance.”

The Athletic rating: third

When was the final redevelopment work performed? United have invested tens of millions of kilos in small enhancements lately, primarily on hospitality areas, disabled services and including safe-standing areas. A paint job was accomplished in 2022 and shortly gave it a a lot smarter look. At Erik ten Hag’s request, the membership constructed a brand new lounge for the membership’s supervisor and his gamers to make use of earlier than matches at Previous Trafford from the start of this season, changing a hospitality space within the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.

What comes subsequent? United introduced in April final yr that that they had appointed architects Populous and administration agency Legends Worldwide as grasp planners and consultants for a revamp of Previous Trafford. A number of totally different choices have been assessed, together with rising Previous Trafford’s capability, constructing a totally new stadium subsequent to the present one, and growth centred round a brand new fundamental stand.

These have been introduced at a followers’ advisory board assembly. Main redevelopment work, nevertheless, has remained at a standstill throughout United’s strategic evaluation, which began final November. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire and proprietor of petrochemicals firm INEOS, is about to buy a 25 per cent stake in United from the Glazer household.

The Athletic detailed how Ratcliffe is ready to commit $300million (£245m) of his private wealth for infrastructure upgrades at Manchester United.

Dan Sheldon

Present capability: 52,257

What The Athletic mentioned: “It’s slap-bang in the course of town, looming over it, setting the temper and drawing individuals in direction of it.”

The Athletic rating: 2nd

When was the final redevelopment work performed? Apart from adjustments to company bins, the final correct redevelopment was in 2005. Shearer’s Bar was added to the Gallowgate Finish, which was itself upgraded as a part of an enlargement all through the Nineties, elevating capability to current ranges. The Milburn Stand and Leazes Finish have been expanded after the Gallowgate, whereas company bins have been moved from the East Stand elsewhere.

What comes subsequent? The subsequent part of redevelopment is not going to alter the stadium itself, moderately the world on Strawberry Place behind the Gallowgate. Mike Ashley bought the lease on that land, however the present house owners purchased it again and a fan zone, that includes bars, eating places and massive screens, is being constructed and is because of open inside months.

Planning permission has been granted for 3 years on that web site however, past, Newcastle are exploring easy methods to increase the capability to 60,000-65,000. That might possible contain enlargement of the Gallowgate Finish and East Stand, however street and Metro infrastructure, in addition to listed buildings on Leazes Terrace behind the latter, make rising capability troublesome and costly. It is going to value tens of tens of millions and may be very a lot a long-term aspiration moderately than a confirmed plan.

Nevertheless, the house owners insist they need to stay at Newcastle’s historic St James’ residence moderately than transfer to a floor exterior the guts of town centre.

Nottingham Forest: Metropolis Floor

Present capability: 30,404

What The Athletic mentioned: “It’s in a ravishing spot on the coronary heart of Nottingham and the house ambiance has been rejuvenated in current seasons.”

The Athletic rating: twelfth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? The membership undertook a beauty revamp of many areas of the Metropolis Floor over the summer season.

That included a refurbishment of the dressing rooms and tunnel space and the development of a completely new media suite, within the space the place Brian Clough’s workplace was once.

What comes subsequent? Within the quick time period, there’s a need among the many Forest hierarchy to get the capability additional above the 30,000 mark and there are early plans to make use of delivery containers so as to add roughly 500 additional seats.

The thought is impressed by one of many venues used in the course of the Qatar World Cup, Stadium 974, which was constructed totally out of delivery containers.

There are additionally plans in place to additional enhance the fan expertise across the stadium.

In the long run, Forest introduced plans in February 2019 to knock down the Peter Taylor Stand and rebuild it with Champions League-standard services, which might take the capability as much as 35,000.

The membership hope that the appointment of Tom Cartledge, a lifelong Forest fan, as chairman will assist speed up the progress of these plans. Cartledge is chief govt of Handley Home Group, which incorporates Benoy, the agency of architects who designed the proposed growth.

Paul Taylor

Present capability: 32,050

What The Athletic mentioned: “There may be few extra intimidating atmospheres in English soccer. The noise lingers and swells as if caught underneath the roof.”

The Athletic rating: thirteenth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? A normal brush-up passed off final summer season, together with a brand new lick of paint to smarten up the again of the South Stand. However the final tangible improve got here in 2009 when the hole between the South Stand and the Bramall Lane Stand (the place away followers are located) was lastly stuffed in by way of a brand new nook stand that included a resort.

What comes subsequent? There was earlier speak by the present house owners of enhancing the Kop stand by eradicating the pillars that presently limit the view from a whole bunch of seats. However United’s battle to compete financially with the remainder of the Premier League, even with the riches that accompany promotion, suggests these plans can be firmly on the back-burner till a change of possession.

Richard Sutcliffe

Tottenham Hotspur: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Present capability: 62,850

What The Athletic mentioned: “Sit contained in the stadium and also you quickly realise its draw: an expertise akin to any stay sport stadium internationally.”

The Athletic rating: 1st

When was the final redevelopment work performed? There have been no main growth works for the reason that stadium opened 4 years in the past. There have been ongoing small enhancements and the participant’s lounge was refurbished at a not-inconsiderable value in the summertime of 2019.

What comes subsequent? Spurs are all the time trying to enhance the stadium, but it surely’s so younger and stays the most effective at school within the Premier League, so there aren’t any large plans in place for redevelopment work.

Charlie Eccleshare

Present capability: 62,500

What The Athletic mentioned: “It has the texture of an enormous, worldwide venue, however the pitch feels distant and so does everybody else within the stadium.”

The Athletic rating: tenth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? Forward of the 2022-23 season, capability on the London Stadium elevated from 60,000 to 62,500 following redevelopment work within the West Stand. In April 2019, the membership put in a claret carpet to encompass the skin of the taking part in area.

What comes subsequent? Because it stands, there aren’t any plans for redevelopment work on the London Stadium.

Roshane Thomas

Present capability: 31,750

What The Athletic mentioned: “An ideal steadiness of contemporary services and an genuine ambiance to rival anyplace within the nation.”

The Athletic rating: sixth

When was the final redevelopment work performed? The trendy two-tier Stan Cullis Stand (nonetheless identified domestically because the North Financial institution) was opened in 2012, taking Molineux to its present capability. That was the primary important rebuild since 1993, when the Jack Harris Stand (now the Sir Jack Hayward Stand) was opened, changing the ultimate part of outdated Molineux terracing.

What comes subsequent? Wolves have an concept of what comes subsequent, however there’s presently no clear image of when. In 2019, Wolves house owners Fosun introduced their intention to extend capability to 50,000 by changing the Steve Bull and Sir Jack Hayward Stands within the picture of the Stand Cullis Stand and filling within the floor’s open corners.

However Covid-19 and different components meant the plans have been placed on maintain, the place they continue to be. Wolves have researched a variety of choices, however there stays no clear timescale.

Steve Madeley

(Prime images: Clive Brunskill/Naomi Baker/Catherine Ivill/Getty Pictures; design: Samuel Richardson)