“I am not an artist. I am a man who paints."
Lawrence Stephen Lowry is famous for his matchstick men and women. Industrial towns of the North of England, all rather desolate, windswept and grey. His figures tall, thin and leaning forward. After watching some footage of Lowry, I sensed he was a man who never really socialised much, he was a people watcher, an observer. He painted daily but his childhood and life all seemed tinged by sadness. A major British artist of the 20th Century, with some of the most iconic paitings of the North.
MATCHSTALK MEN AND MATCHSTALK CATS AND DOGS
Now they said his works of art were dull
No room all round the walls are full
But Lowry didn't care much anyway
They said he just paints cats and dogs
And matchstalk men in boots and clogs
And Lowry said that's just the way they'll stay
I love the Alley-Alley-O that runs through this song by Brian and Michael. 1978.
http://www.thelowry.com/
Above: Yes, another Kyla blog pose at The Lowry. Salford. Nov 2009.
Above: Going to the Match. 1928.
Above: Portrait of Ann. Oil on canvas 1957. Lowry was also a fan of Botticelli's women, and adorned his room with large prints of them, one can't help but wonder who Ann was and the role she played in his life.............
Above: Lowry with his portrait of Ann.'Lowry twice declined appointment to the Order of the British Empire: as an Officer (OBE) in 1955, and as a Commander (CBE) in 1961. He turned down a knighthood in 1968, and appointment to the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in 1972 and 1976. He holds the record for the most honours declined'
That makes me smile........
