L.S. Lowry: A Visionary Artist

Nov 2010 at Wrea Green Parish Church

Lecturer Michael Howard BA (Hons) MA

Our Special Interest Day  at Wrea Green Parish Church was based on the life and work of the popular artist L.S. Lowry, RA (1887-1976), well-known for his familiar pictures of Northern mills and life in the industrial landscapes of Manchester and Salford.

Lecturer, Michael Howard, is a senior lecturer in Art History and Design at Manchester Metropolitan University who has wide experience in lecturing and is author of numerous publications on several nineteenth and twentieth century artists. This includes ‘L.S.Lowry: A Visionary Artist‘.

Michael also created the film now shown permanently at The Lowry, Salford, used as an introduction to the background of the artist and to the changing exhibitions of his work.

The Special Interest Day comprised of three lectures, firstly giving an overview of the life and work of the artist. After a lunch break, the other two lectures made reference to aspects of ‘The Loneliness of Lowry‘, a recent exhibition at Abbot Hall, Kendall; the changing exhibitions on the artist at The Lowry, Salford; and also, as an artist, Lowry’s connections with Lytham.

Michael had many interesting anecdotes to share about Lowry and he talked about the mythology that has grown around the man and his work. He made us aware of the range and variety of Lowry’s painting and also of the intelligence and technical and creative ability of Lowry himself, who is often incorrectly stereotyped as a naive and untutored artist.

The room where the event was held was smaller than our usual lecture venue but this did make for a nice intimate atmosphere. Groups split up at lunchtime, some having sandwiches in the hall, and some going to DIzzie Duck’s Tearooms  where we had an excellent pre-booked hotpot. Others decamped to the Grapes Hotel.

All in all a really good day, the friendly informal atmosphere we have come to expect of Fylde DFAS Special Interest Days, and a great learning experience also.

Our thanks to Kate Cartmell once again for organising this.