The Lowry Gallery

The Lowry Gallery, dedicated to the man himself, is always one I would never tire of visiting. The Lowry Gallery is a small, modest space that commits itself to exhibiting his work all year round. I’m afraid this review may appear, to say the least, pretty bias as I admire L.S. Lowry sincerely. Growing up in the industrial North West of England, his influences are clear in his paintings and sketches. The location of The Lowry Gallery is delightful, right the waterfront on Salford Quays.

He is most famously known for his ‘Matchstick Men’ in paintings such as ‘Going to the Match’ (1928.) The painting is exhibited in the gallery and depicts a crowd of people arriving at Burnden Park to watch Bolton Wanderers.

Personally, his work has always influenced me, not only because I’m from Bolton, North West England, but because I feel like I relate to him. He may be best known for his Matchstick Men and peculiar characters, but the gallery also boasts a collection of detailed and analytical portraits, proving he is in fact a profound painter. For example, the ‘Man in the Bowler Hat’ (undated) is a great deal less detailed than ‘Portrait of a Man Looking Right’ (1914). Nonetheless each portrait can be equally respected.

The Gallery is fascinating to look around, both for locals and visitors to the area. For us locals, it gives us a great sense of pride that our industrial heritage has been stored in such a way. My sister and I had great pleasure scoping through the space, analysing each painting, seeing if we recognise any buildings or landscapes. For visitors, it gives a clear insight on what l typical life was like for people.

The oil paintings with the Matchstick Men reflect not only standard life in the North West roughly from 1920 through to 1960, but also the drabness. The use of colour, or should I say lack of, reflects the smoggy atmosphere caused by the chimneys from the mills and factories. As well as this, a great deal of his characters commonly wore dreary, uninteresting clothes.

Overall, The Lowry Gallery is an endearing gallery to visit for anyone interested in the industrial culture between early and late 1900’s. He honourably portrays society and its surroundings in the Northwest during this time and this, I personally respect