LS Lowry at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester - Works on paper

LS Lowry Works on Paper
The Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester
13 June - 30 August 1998

LS Lowry and Manchester are forever bound together as people recollect his paintings of industrial scenes and characteristic figures. In this first exhibition of the artist's work at the Whitworth for over 20 years, another side of his work is shown with pencil drawings and a rare selection of watercolours showing a wider range of subjects than is usually revealed.

The drawings are from both public and private collections and stand as complete works in their own right, rather than as preparatory sketches. They cover the whole of LS Lowry's career from the rare early portraits and life drawings, through the industrial scenes, to the unexpected rural landscapes and seascapes.

Born in Stretford, Manchester, in 1887, LS Lowry drifted into an office job whilst studying art at night school for 10 years. On moving to Pendlebury in his 20s, he spent much of his time exploring the more industrialised area, and it was during this period that he developed what has become his most recognisable subject.

LS Lowry's great skill as an observer is obvious in even his most early works. He wrestled with feelings of isolation and depression for much of his life, and his habit of withdrawing from those around him to take a step back is present in his depictions of crowds of anonymous people.

He was a celebrated artist during his lifetime and became a Royal Academician in 1962 at the age of 74. LS Lowry left Salford to retire to the leafy suburbs of Cheshire where he painted occasional watercolours, examples of which are included in the exhibition.

'LS Lowry - Works on Paper' is organised in association with the Crane Kalman Gallery, London.

THE WHITWORTH ART GALLERY
The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER
www.whitworth.man.ac.uk