The story of L S Lowry and his Cumberland connections with the area and local artists will go on show at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven later this month.
The L S Lowry in Cumberland exhibition will be taking place in The Beacon Museum’s Light and Dark Gallery between 20 January and 14 April 2024.
The museum will be exhibiting artworks loaned from The Lowry in Salford, along with local artists that Lowry had connections with, Geoffrey Bennett loans from private collectors, and a Percy Kelly artwork from the Copeland Collection. Tullie, Carlisle is also lending some artwork by Sheila Fell from their collection as part of the exhibition.
During research for the exhibition, locals have been sharing their stories of meeting Lowry, Geoffrey Bennett, Sheila Fell and Percy Kelly, which the museum will incorporate into the exhibition.
In addition to the original artworks on display The Beacon has worked with The Lowry to make accessible a range of Lowry works in a digital format.
As part of the exhibition, local schools will be offered the opportunity to display children’s artwork alongside the works of Lowry and other artists.
The educational workshops with a professional artist will allow the children to explore the work of L S Lowry in school and at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven. The practical workshops are themed around Lowry’s Industrial scenes, local landscapes of West Cumbria and his portraits; the pupils will explore perspective, proportions and creative responses.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“Following The Beacon’s successful Kelly’s Copeland exhibition in 2023, and the three-year partnership with the National Gallery that saw them host artworks by Chardin, Rembrandt and Verocchio, this new exhibition will focus on the renowned northern artist L S Lowry, his connections to Cumberland, and his relationships with Cumberland-based artists.
“Lowry who is synonymous with Manchester, industrial scenes and matchstick figures, also has strong connections to the Cumberland area. The Beacon Museum exhibition will bring these connections to life.
“There will be lots of opportunities - walks, talks and events - to bring Lowry’s work to life and share insights into this talented artist. The Beacon Museum’s curator Alex Milner along with Tony Calvin, chairperson of The Friends of The Beacon Museum, have curated the exhibition together.”
There will be free guided tours for school groups around Cleator Moor of the local buildings painted by L S Lowry throughout the duration of the exhibition. Please contact Alan.Gillon@cumberland.gov.uk for further details.
Guided tours of the exhibition, and lead walks around Cleator Moor town centre, highlighting its connections with Lowry and his art will also be featured as part of the exhibition. Please see The Beacon’s website for further details.
Owned and managed by Cumberland Council, The Beacon Museum is open daily 10am - 4.30pm during school holidays. During term time it is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4.30pm and Sunday, 11am - 4pm. Closed Monday.
Last admission is 45 minutes prior to closing.
Every first Sunday of every month, they hold a ‘quiet hour’ for the first hour of opening (11am - 12pm).
You can find out more at the museum’s website.