York, by Lowry: Rare works go on show after 50 years

THREE works by LS Lowry are going on show together for the first time at the York gallery that commissioned them more than half a century ago.
Views of York by the artist LS Lowry. Courtesy of the Lowry EstateViews of York by the artist LS Lowry. Courtesy of the Lowry Estate
Views of York by the artist LS Lowry. Courtesy of the Lowry Estate

The oil paintings - showing three different scenes in York - were painted after the city’s art gallery commissioned him in 1952.

The gallery chose to keep the work showing Clifford’s Tower, with the others bought by private collectors.

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Now all three - and a preliminary sketch of the tower - will go on show at the gallery, which is reopening on August 1 after an £8 million redevelopment.

Views of York by the artist LS Lowry. Courtesy of the Lowry EstateViews of York by the artist LS Lowry. Courtesy of the Lowry Estate
Views of York by the artist LS Lowry. Courtesy of the Lowry Estate

Lorna Frost, curatorial assistant at York Museums Trust, said: “Lowry was already a well-known and established artist when he came to York in 1952. Leading figures in York suggested to Lowry scenes which would ‘blend gothic and industry’ but he instead chose to depict the iconic Clifford’s Tower.

“This has become one of the gallery’s most famous and well-loved works and if you look closely you can pick out York’s industrial buildings in the background of the ancient stone tower.

“We are delighted that the private collectors have given us permission to show the other two works and the sketch of the tower to mark the reopening of the gallery.

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“Both of the oil paintings show scenes of the city which have since drastically changed. They remain true to Lowry’s iconic style and will be a highlight for visitors coming to see the newly reopened gallery this summer.”

Views of York by the artist LS Lowry. Courtesy of the Lowry EstateViews of York by the artist LS Lowry. Courtesy of the Lowry Estate
Views of York by the artist LS Lowry. Courtesy of the Lowry Estate

Lowry, who was famously celebrated in song for his pictures of “matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs”, worked as a rent collector in Salford and painted in his spare time until his retirement, when he was able to devote himself to his art.

His depictions of working class life in industrial northern England have divided critics but exhibitions of his work regularly pull in huge crowds and his pictures now attract high prices.

A painting of Piccadilly Circus sold at auction for £5.6 million four years ago.

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