A Tour of LS Lowry's Old Haunts and New Shrines in Salford and Manchester
For my nan, an LS Lowry print adorned the walls of her downstairs loo. It was a street scene, complete with 100-odd people, a few dogs, and some mills in the background – I could see myself in it, feeling like I'd finally found someone who understood me. The painter's unique style had always captivated me, but now, as I embarked on a Lowry-themed break to mark his 50th anniversary passing, my appreciation for him only grew.
My journey began at Manchester Art Gallery, where Lowry's works hung alongside those of his mentor, the French impressionist Pierre Adolphe Valette. Each painting seemed to hint at a shared experience – they were more than just individual scenes; they told stories that connected with you on a deeper level. Detractors often dismiss Lowry as lacking technique, but I see it differently: his straightforward approach belies a deep understanding of human nature.
After the gallery, I found refuge in Sam's Chop House, where Lowry himself once sat at the bar. This historic pub has been around since 1868 and was a favourite haunt of the painter's. I sipped a pint while staring up at the bronze statue of Lowry sitting still behind the bar – it was almost as if he was watching me.
My next destination was Salford, where Lowry grew up in Victoria Park. The house where he lived until the age of 22 is now unmarked – perhaps that's what Lowry would have wanted all along. It was here, however, that he discovered his unlikely muse: Manchester's industrial landscape. His paintings reflect this newfound passion and have become an integral part of his oeuvre.
I visited The Lowry hotel, which boasts a collection of Lowry's works within its walls. I even got to see Going to the Match (1953), one of his most famous pieces featuring those iconic "matchstick men." But what truly stood out was the new immersive experience called Lowry 360 – it brought his paintings to life in a way that was both familiar and yet utterly new.
I caught up with Manchester United at home against Bournemouth, taking in the electric atmosphere behind the East Stand. I watched from the safety of Hotel Football, listening to the roar of the crowd as they cheered on their team. As I looked out over the Salford skyline – a breathtaking view that would have delighted Lowry himself – it was clear that his legacy continues to inspire and rejuvenate this great city.
For those interested in exploring more of Lowry's work, there are plenty of options available. Room-only doubles at The Lowry hotel start from £162, while tours led by local legend John Consterdine can be booked through manchestertaxitours.co.uk. Entry to Manchester Art Gallery and The Lowry is free – a great way to dip your toes into the world of this beloved artist.
In Salford and Manchester, LS Lowry's art continues to thrive, reminding us that even in times of decline, there is always the potential for renewal and rebirth. As I left my tour with a newfound appreciation for Lowry and his work, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and belonging to this great city – one that has found its own unique voice through the art of LS Lowry.
For my nan, an LS Lowry print adorned the walls of her downstairs loo. It was a street scene, complete with 100-odd people, a few dogs, and some mills in the background – I could see myself in it, feeling like I'd finally found someone who understood me. The painter's unique style had always captivated me, but now, as I embarked on a Lowry-themed break to mark his 50th anniversary passing, my appreciation for him only grew.
My journey began at Manchester Art Gallery, where Lowry's works hung alongside those of his mentor, the French impressionist Pierre Adolphe Valette. Each painting seemed to hint at a shared experience – they were more than just individual scenes; they told stories that connected with you on a deeper level. Detractors often dismiss Lowry as lacking technique, but I see it differently: his straightforward approach belies a deep understanding of human nature.
After the gallery, I found refuge in Sam's Chop House, where Lowry himself once sat at the bar. This historic pub has been around since 1868 and was a favourite haunt of the painter's. I sipped a pint while staring up at the bronze statue of Lowry sitting still behind the bar – it was almost as if he was watching me.
My next destination was Salford, where Lowry grew up in Victoria Park. The house where he lived until the age of 22 is now unmarked – perhaps that's what Lowry would have wanted all along. It was here, however, that he discovered his unlikely muse: Manchester's industrial landscape. His paintings reflect this newfound passion and have become an integral part of his oeuvre.
I visited The Lowry hotel, which boasts a collection of Lowry's works within its walls. I even got to see Going to the Match (1953), one of his most famous pieces featuring those iconic "matchstick men." But what truly stood out was the new immersive experience called Lowry 360 – it brought his paintings to life in a way that was both familiar and yet utterly new.
I caught up with Manchester United at home against Bournemouth, taking in the electric atmosphere behind the East Stand. I watched from the safety of Hotel Football, listening to the roar of the crowd as they cheered on their team. As I looked out over the Salford skyline – a breathtaking view that would have delighted Lowry himself – it was clear that his legacy continues to inspire and rejuvenate this great city.
For those interested in exploring more of Lowry's work, there are plenty of options available. Room-only doubles at The Lowry hotel start from £162, while tours led by local legend John Consterdine can be booked through manchestertaxitours.co.uk. Entry to Manchester Art Gallery and The Lowry is free – a great way to dip your toes into the world of this beloved artist.
In Salford and Manchester, LS Lowry's art continues to thrive, reminding us that even in times of decline, there is always the potential for renewal and rebirth. As I left my tour with a newfound appreciation for Lowry and his work, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and belonging to this great city – one that has found its own unique voice through the art of LS Lowry.
I mean, when you're staring at those iconic "matchstick men" in Going to the Match, you can't help but see yourself in them too. It's almost as if Lowry was painting not just a scene, but also your own thoughts & feelings about that moment 
I think that's where the magic lies – in finding inspiration in unexpected places.
his paintings are like, so emotional & relatable it's like he was speaking straight to ur soul 
and i love how he used everyday people & scenes in his art - makes me feel like im not alone in this crazy world 
the way he captured the industrial landscape of manchester is just genius 
can't wait to check out more of his works & exhibits 
honestly i dont get why all these museums and hotels have to be themed around some artist lol like who cares about lowrys personal life and where he lived 
anyway just got back from salford and manchester and it was decent i guess the new lowry 360 exhibit at the lowry hotel was pretty cool 
but thats about it for me im more of a browse through google pics kinda guy 
. Just him, being himself, and capturing the spirit of his city 
.
- it gets better with time! His straightforward style might be underappreciated by some, but I think it's what makes his paintings so relatable and human 
. And that new Lowry 360 experience? Mind-blowing 
So I looked up the most popular LS Lowry paintings online and it's actually "Going to the Match" that tops the list with 44% of all views! 
The top 5 cities for visitors are Manchester, Salford, Liverpool, Leeds & Birmingham - fun fact: they're all within a 2-hour drive from each other 
It's amazing to see how his legacy continues to live on 
It feels so immersive and engaging, I can see why it's a hit. And I'm glad to see that his art is still inspiring people in Manchester and Salford today. The fact that it reminds them of their city's potential for renewal and rebirth is really powerful 
but what i think is really cool about his work is how it transcends time and place, it's not just about mcr or salford, it's about people from all walks of life finding common ground 
. Can't he just let people appreciate his art on their own terms without having to go on a guided tour or book a hotel room? And £162 for a room at The Lowry?! Outrageous! 
think its a shame theyre not makin more of lowrys story on tv documentaries or sumin like thats what made him so relatable back in da day 
. And omg, have you seen Going to the Match?! 
. I'm so grateful for this tour and getting to explore more of Lowry's world - it's been a dream come true! 
Room-only doubles start at £162? That's a steal! I'm definitely booking that for my next trip to Manchester 
. What I'm not sure about is why they couldn't just leave the old Lowry house in Victoria Park alone though – like, what's up with being all subtle about it?
. And, omg, Lowry 360 is LIFE.CHANGING