**Top image banner: LS Lowry. July, the Seaside, 1943. © The Estate of LS Lowry. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2024. Image: © Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre.
Fans of L.S. Lowry’s iconic industrial landscapes might be surprised to discover the artist held an equally deep fascination with the sea. The Granary Gallery in Berwick-upon-Tweed is set to explore this side of his work with a compelling new exhibition, “Lowry and the Sea”, on display from May 25th to October 13th, 2024.
Though famous for his depictions of the urban and industrial North of England, Lowry was captivated by the Northumberland coast. Starting in the 1930s, Berwick-upon-Tweed became a regular haunt for the artist. He found rich inspiration in the town’s quaint charm and dramatic seascapes, producing around 20 paintings and drawings of Berwick alone.
The exhibition will feature both oils and sketches, delving into Lowry’s evolving relationship with the sea. His earliest seascapes, dating back to his childhood, show the allure it held from a young age. Witness how his trademark style translates to nautical scenes as he captures various vessels, tranquil beaches, and the raw power of the ocean itself.
Even in his depictions of the coast, the spectre of industry lingers. Paintings like Tanker (1965) hint at the environmental cost of maritime trade, while others, such as Untitled (Sinking Ship), showcase the dangers faced by those who sail. Lowry’s signature stark palettes and isolated figures find new resonance among the vastness of the sea.
“[The sea is] how wonderful it is, yet how terrible it is,” L.S. Lowry
The exhibition also explores how Lowry’s relationship with the sea deepened later in his career, particularly after the death of his mother. He began painting what he called “empty seascapes” – vast expanses of water with little else present. These works, often sombre in tone, suggest a profound reflection on solitude and the timeless power of nature.
The exhibition showcases this dichotomy, revealing the artist’s reverence as well as his unease. Works like A Rainbow, with an oversized, nearly oppressive arc dwarfing the turbulent ocean, capture this internal conflict beautifully. “Lowry and the Sea” offers a chance to understand a lesser-known aspect of one of Britain’s most beloved artists. See his original works up close and trace his changing perception of the sea across his celebrated career – a journey filled with both wonder and melancholy.
Tickets and Information
Tickets go on sale Monday, April 1st, 2024. Visit the Maltings website.
Tickets: £5, concessions will apply.
