Lowry Gallery celebrates 125th anniversary of artist's birth with display of rarely seen work

Exhibition: A Lowry Summer, The Lowry Galleries, Salford, until October 28 2012

Throughout his career, LS Lowry remained preoccupied by whether his art would last, asking “Will I live?” over and over again.

Testament to his longevity is this new exhibition celebrating the work of the artist in the 125th anniversary year of his birth. Clearly, Lowry needn’t have worried.

The display brings together more than 200 paintings and drawings by the artist, including a complete private collection that has never shown in its entirety before.

It includes one of Lowry’s few paintings of the capital, Piccadilly Circus, which has not exhibited in a public gallery for 30 years. 

The extensive collection offers a revealing insight into the unique style and personal vision of the artist, which set him apart from the major art movements of his time. 

Emphasis is placed on his paintings and drawings that depict people at play – at the seaside, at fairs, playing in the streets and boating.

Other artists who depicted leisure time are also shown at the space, such as Humphrey Spender, who pioneered the documentary style and methods of Mass-Observation used to gather information on the habits of people in Britain.

“We are delighted to celebrate the 125th anniversary of LS Lowry’s birthday with such a comprehensive exhibition,” says the gallery's Michael Simpson.

“We are particularly thrilled that we will be showing some rarely seen works from a private collection for the first time, enabling the public to enjoy a truly unique experience of Lowry.”

• Open:  11am-5pm (10am-5pm Saturday). Admission free.
  

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