HOLLYWOOD legend Sophia Loren has been celebrated with a brand new mural in Southport!

Superb local artist Paul Curtis has created his newest artwork honouring 1 of the most remarkable women in movie history in time for International Women’s Day on the shutters of David H Myers Opticians on London Street in Southport town centre.

Sophia Loren has replaced the Audrey Hepburn artwork which has become beyond repair - and provides a new love interest for Hollywood star Steve McQueen on the adjacent shutter!

If you have your picture with Sophia Loren we’d love to see it in Stand Up For Southport!

Paul Curtis is a well-known artist who has created some stunning work throughout the UK. His art in Southport includes:-

* Red Rum on the Promenade
* The Sand Lizard at Toad Hall
* Shrimpers and Red Rum at the Birkdale Train Station underpass
* Southport Flower Show mural at Victoria Park
* Sophia Loren and Steve McQueen at David H Myers Opticians

He is available for commissions for anyone who has a space that needs transforming!

Southport people have given their seal of approval to the town’s newest artwork. 

Speaking on the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, Wendy Moakler said:- “Awesome job Paul Curtis!”

Lucy lulu said:- “I saw this when he started.. I was not sure how it was going to turn out.. looks fabulous though!”

Gloria Jackson said:- “Congratulations Paul Curtis, another fabulous piece of artwork from you!” 

Kaz Barton said:- “I've been passing every day and watching the work, fab!”

Mel Jones said:- “Everything Paul does is brilliant. Such an amazing talent.”

2026 is a year of vibrant cultural events in Southport - it would be fantastic to see more street art appear in Southport as part of that.

Sophia Loren is an Italian actor with a career spanning over 70 years, and is one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.

She won an Oscar for 2 Women; earned 5 Golden Globes; and was named 1 of the greatest stars in American film history by the American Film Institute.

Her other movies include Houseboat, El Cid, The Fall Of The Roman Empire, The Millionairess, Arabesque, The Cassandra Crossing and more.