REVIEW: L.S. Lowry, Masterpieces Of Art by Susan Grange

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This book briefly explains Lowry’s early life, how he became an artist and the recognition he received for his works, but for the most part the book contains many images of his paintings.

Lowry is famous for painting industrial towns in North West England. These works include mills, smoke billowing from chimneys and dark overcast skies. When looking at these paintings, you get a real sense of just how industry effected the landscape.

Coming from the Mill, 1930.

Many of the ideas for these paintings came when Lowry worked for Pall Mall Property Ltd, collecting rents. On his rounds he would sketch people and events on scrap pieces of paper.

Lowry was involved in art education from 1905-1928.

Lowry’s first public exhibition was in 1921, not one of his works were sold, which is a far cry from today, now his works sell for thousands and sometimes millions of pounds. The Football Match (1949) sold for 5.6 million in 2011. His works are now in collections all over the world.

Head of a Man, 1938.

Lowry’s figures which he drew were given the name Matchstick Men by a critic, a term Lowry disliked. There is a song entitled “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs,” which features them, it reached number 1 in the charts in 1978, by a British music duo named Brian and Michael.

Peel Park in Salford, seemed loved by Lowry. It was named after Sir Robert Peel, the prime minister who was born in nearby Bury. Lowry drew the park and buildings.

Peel Park, Salford, 1927.

In 1965 Lowry received the freedom of the City Of Salford.

Lowry also received two honorary degrees from The University Of Salford and The University Of Liverpool.

Lowry turned down an OBE in 1955, a CBE in 1960, the offer of a Knighthood in 1967 and the Companion of honour in 1971. Lowry explained in an interview that he was shocked to have been offered these honours, im not a socialist, im a good conservative but I didn’t want a title.

Seemingly loved by the general public, academics and critics remain divided about Lowry.

The Funeral Party, 1953.

Lowry died of pneumonia in Feb 1976 aged 88.

The Lowry in Salford is home to the world’s largest public collection of paintings and drawings by L.S. Lowry. Well worth a visit.

My overall thoughts of the book, if your looking for a more in-depth look at Lowry’s life maybe this isn’t the book for you, but if like me you appreciate his paintings then this book is fantastic. My thoughts on Lowry’s works are, always interesting but never boring.

Lyndsey

Published by The Happy Book Blog

Hi, my name is Lyndsey and I live in Greater Manchester, England. I am a Mum and i'm currently training to be a hairdresser. I love😁reading, writing, art, comedy, history, finding out about different countries, politics, football, musical theatre, eating out, music, tv and films. I am a massive Manchester United fan.🤩 My all time favourite authors are Cecelia Ahern and Lindsey Kelk. My favourite book is The Gift by Cecelia Ahern.💕 I am obsessed with New York.😮 I have an addiction to chocolate, which I can't seem to break. One of my favourite films Is Dirty Dancing. Some of my favourite singers are Sam Smith, Lewis Capaldi and Donny Osmond. Some of my favourite comedians are Romesh Ranganathan, Sarah Milligan, Lee Evans and Michael McIntyre. I'm a vegetarian.🙂Did I also mention, I have a great sense of humour. Lyndsey. 💛

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26 thoughts on “REVIEW: L.S. Lowry, Masterpieces Of Art by Susan Grange”

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  11. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this book, looks like an interesting one. I hope I have soo much time to go back to reading. I can’t read that much lately, and if I read it is more on work related.

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    1. I’m glad you love his paintings and I agree, they are testament to his versatility. The Funeral Party, is actually one of my favourites.

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