Manchester is famous for its rich industrial history as well as a varied cultural heritage. It is manifested in numerous cultural institutions, such as operas, theatres, cinemas, galleries, exhibition halls, etc. The Lowry theatre and gallery complex, named after the famous English artist Laurence Stephen Lowry, stands out among such a wide variety. Learn more at manchester-trend.
History of the complex establishment
The Lowry is located in Salford, the Manchester metropolitan borough. The history of its establishment dates back to the 1980s. The idea of creating a huge cultural centre came up when the city authorities undertook the reconstruction of Manchester docks and premises for building, repairing and storing ships. Specialists mostly worked with the underwater parts of the ships there.
Redevelopment of the derelict docks could multiply the entertainment, cultural and tourism potential of this part of Manchester.
In the 1990s, the authorities were actively searching for financing and began construction. The city managed to fully complete the project only in 2000. The construction of the innovative cultural centre cost £106 million. The new theatre and gallery complex was named after the local artist Laurence Lowry.
Since its opening, the theatre and gallery complex has been incredibly popular among guests and residents of the city. From 2010 to 2011, The Lowry was the most visited tourist attraction in Manchester.
Who was Laurence Stephen Lowry?
Laurence Stephen Lowry was an artist born in Stretford in 1887. He became famous for depicting life in the industrial regions of 20th-century England, including Manchester. He often painted cityscapes with human figures, popularly nicknamed matchstick men. In addition to urban industrial landscapes of various parts of Manchester, Laurence Lowry also painted rather mysterious deserted landscapes and portraits of pensive people. He also often depicted seascapes with smooth transitions between sea and sky.
His style stood out among other artists of that time. In particular, he used stylised shadowless figures. In addition, his paintings lacked any weather effects, for which critics called him a naive “Sunday painter”.
Laurence Lowry became famous for his record-breaking refusals to accept British awards for his creative activity.
Operation of the complex
The huge complex in Salford houses a spacious gallery and a theatre with over 1,000 seats.
The area of the gallery is 22,000 sq ft. It is reserved exclusively for the permanent exhibition of the works of the famous local artist Laurence Lowry, after whom it has been named. Sometimes, other non-permanent exhibitions are also displayed here.
Lowry’s collection consists of about 400 paintings written in oils, pastels and watercolours. The artist started to create them in the first half of the 20th century.
In addition, the gallery has an archive, which stores unique materials related to the life and work of the local artist, including exhibition catalogues, auctions, press clippings, interviews, etc.
However, The Lowry also houses a theatre and a drama studio. There, visitors can enjoy various performances, comedies and musical events. In addition, once every two years, the complex holds a flagship arts festival with an interdisciplinary programme called Week 53 Festival.
It should also be noted that The Lowry has the largest stage in the United Kingdom outside of London’s West End.
Interestingly, The Lowry staged a unique play in the Nottingham dialect The Daughter-in-law by D. H. Lawrence, which wasn’t even published during its author’s lifetime.
The Lowry has repeatedly become the place where the grandest and largest events took place. One of them was the final of the BBC’s Mastermind quiz in 2003. Moreover, it also housed the only televised recording of the I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue radio show. In addition, the complex has long hosted auditions for the Britain’s Got Talent show.
The Lowry is a unique place that brightens Manchester’s industrial region. You can visit it with your family and friends, as visitors of all ages will find something interesting here. The complex is rightly considered a cultural landmark of Manchester. It will impress you with a rich collection of paintings by the local artist Laurence Lowry, as well as works by other artists. You will also be pleased by the theatre’s performances and dance shows, children’s shows and other exclusive events.
