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L.S.Lowry
L.S.Lowry possibly the greatest painter this century, a shy and private man was born in Stretford, Lancashire in 1887, and became renowned for his "matchstick men" paintings of England's industrial North West, paintings that snap and crackle with passion, honesty and commitment.And it was said that he wore his old suits to paint in, wiping the brushes on his sleeves and lapels.
Lowry was known to have spent many a happy holiday in North Wales, and on his visits pencil sketched scenes of Prestatyn, Meliden, Rhyl, Rhuddlan Castle, Denbigh and Flint.
In November 2004 a 1929 Lowry pencil Sketch of Edward Henry Street, Rhyl sold at Christies auction for £22,000, together with a Lowry painting of the Foryd, Rhyl that sold for £75,000.
Denbighshire County Council endeavored to purchase them to exhibit at Rhyl library but were unable to obtain the funding.
If Lowry was without a sketchbook he often drew scenes in charcoal or pencil on whatever piece of paper was at hand and would present his drawings to people or families nearby, these small valuable piece's of art at the time insignificant are today worth thousands of pounds.(search your draws and attics if perchance you discover a Lowry sketch, I am available for consultation!)
As Lowry's fame and celebrity status grew in the late 50's. he became tired of being approached by strangers, and especially disliked anyone visiting him at home and kept a suitcase by the front door so that he could claim to be just leaving.
A humble and unassuming man, when he was treated to lunch at The Ritz by art dealer Andros Kalman, he asked if they "did egg and chips".
When he was offered a knighthood by Harold Wilson, lowry turned it down saying "he didn't want the fame it attracted, and besides he "he was just an ordinary man from Manchester who painted".
Lowry died at his home in Longendale, Manchester, in 1976 at the age of 88.
In 1936 Salford musuem and art gallery began collecting his work, and have gradually built-up the collection which is now at the heart of the award - winning building bearing his name.
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