Lowry

by Julian Spalding

Published July 1979
Lowry, an essentially private man who worked full time as a rent collector from the age of fifteen until retirement, drew upon his experiences of the landscape and people of the industrial north as subjects for his painting and drawing. He is best known for his mill scenes and matchstick men, and many of his industrial scenes are included in this selection. Also included are less familiar works - portraits, self-portraits, seascapes, the 'empty' landscapes, drawing of cripples and social outcasts and several later drawings. The author has made his selection from the whole range of Lowry's output and written a commentary which attempts to enlarge understanding of this extraordinary and dedicated artist.