Gallery Interpreter Tour at The Lowry
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
The Lowry, as well as attracting countless high profile theatre and dance companies touring the UK, is also home to the worlds largest public collection of paintings and drawings by LS Lowry. Their exhibition space hosts the Lancashire artist’s work alongside other pieces on loan from private collections across the UK. Every day at 12 pm and 2 pm, gallery interpreters offer the chance for you to become more familiar with the collection. You will be guided through the exhibit shining a spotlight on works which have recently been added, as well as discussing Lowry’s life and the context in which the pieces were created. As an artist who frequently depicted industrialised Salford in his work, the calm contrast of Salford Quays as it stands today already highlights how the City has progressed since the time in which Lowry was working.
Currently, the gallery is displaying six Lowry paintings from the Royal Academy of Art’s collection, this is part of the Royal Academy’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Although he was a member of the Academy, Lowry wasn’t overly keen on the British artistic establishment, famously turning down an OBE and a Knighthood. He did, however, accept honorary degrees from both Salford and Liverpool Universities. These particular paintings will be on display until the 3rd of March so be sure to catch them before they go. Each tour lasts around 20 minutes, is free of charge and does not require booking. If you’d rather make your way through the space on your own terms there is also a self guided tour through the building. Large print guides with more information about a specific era of Lowry’s work are available on their website. Alternatively, the Lowry also hosts a range of newly commissioned visual art, with a focus on artists working with digital media or who have a connection with Manchester.
