Lowry paintings on show after 60 years
THREE works by LS Lowry are going on show together for the first time at the gallery that commissioned them more than half a century ago.
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.
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.
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.
“Both of the oil paintings show scenes of the city which have s i nce dra stically changed. They remain true to Lowry’s iconic style and will be a highlight for visitors coming to see the newly reopened gallery.”
A Lowry painting of Piccadilly Circus sold at auction for £5.6m four years ago.