Tony Curtis

Painted in April 2008

Acrylic on canvas - 30 inch x 24 inch

£1,450

Autographed by Tony in April 2008

I met Tony Curtis at a film convention and autograph event in Birmingham in April 2008.

After working on the portrait for over 30 hours throughout a couple of weeks, the day of the event arrived. I left home at 4am to drive 160 miles up to Birmingham to meet Tony Curtis.

I was one of the first in the queue to enter the event. However, when the staff saw my camera hung around my chest they said I would not be allowed to take any photographs. So, without holding my camera, I set it to run on video mode and film the entire encounter without touching it, hoping it was pointing in the right direction (after all, they didn’t mention about taking videos..).

When Tony Curtis saw the painting he said "Wonderful! What would you like me to write on it?"

I suggested "With Love from Tony Curtis?" and he joked "I am not sure I know you well enough to love you!…Can I write your name?".

And he kindly wrote...

"Paul, Your Friend, Tony Curtis"

It was a wonderful moment and lovely inscription.

Although in his twilight years, he was in great spirits. It was a huge honour to meet such a legendary actor and I am so happy I managed to capture brief footage of Tony signing my painting.

Below is the film of him signing it.