Preston artist Shawn Sharpe paints mural for Southport rooftop bar

Pic: Andrew Brown Stand up For Southport

An artist from Preston has painted a mural for a new rooftop bar in Southport after painting several pieces around the county.

The New York inspired mural, which is almost complete, is being created by artist Shawn Sharpe of Good Good Graffiti at the new Harry’s and Sky Bar at the top of The Grand on Lord Street.

Shawn has completed some of the most well-known murals in the North West, including the legendary four-storey high ‘Mother’ on Church Street in Preston City Centre.

A second mural will follow at the venue.

Shawn, 33 said: “The lady isn’t anyone in particular! She’s drawn from my imagination. Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group were very open with their brief for this mural.

“They asked me to create something with a New York theme, and allowed me to be creative and do what I do best.

“I took references from what The Grand looks like inside, with that opulent, roaring 1920s art deco look. I used old travel posters as inspiration.

“It has taken me five days so far to put this mural together. When I have completed this I am looking forward to moving onto the next one at Sky Bar! This will be my second artwork in Southport, after I painted the 3D Statue Of Liberty at Maverick’s on Lord Street.”

Shawn travels around the UK painting murals.

He said: “I travel around the UK, painting murals in a variety of hospitality and leisure venues. I have done that for the past nine years, but have been painting for the past 15 years.

“There is a growing demand for bigger murals, which is fantastic. I created ‘Mother’ in Preston City Centre last year, which has had a superb response – thousands of really positive comments on social media. I am looking forward to seeing what people think of this one.”

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