Mural of furniture king Franco Cozzo in Footscray

FROM grand sales to grand displays, Franco Cozzo has always been larger than life.

Public Art

FROM grand sales to grand displays, Franco Cozzo has always been larger than life.

It is no surprise then that the furniture king has been immortalised on the side wall of his store in Hopkins St.

Heesco is among a group of street artists behind the giant mural of Franco who has been a household name in the area for almost half a century.

Franco made a name for himself after appearing on TV ads where he would spruik the furniture at his “Brunsawicka” and “Footisgray” stores, in a mix of English, Italian and Greek.

Heesco said the local icon, painted with his arms outstretched, was welcoming people into Footscray.

Saba, Franco Cozzo and Ken Bruce drove us ‘completely mad’

He said he approached his son, Louigi, if they could undertake the project.

“He has been really enthusiastic about it,” he said.

“Everyone knows Franco and he is such a legend.

“We wanted to celebrate this larger than life character because he has been around for so long and people associate him with Footscray.”

Heesco said he drew from a black and white photo to capture his personality.

The verdict from the man himself was that it looked great.