With a name like mine, the most common question is – are you related to LS Lowry.  Sadly, I am not.  We do however share a great love of the arts and an admiration for urban grit so why oh why didn’t I visit the magnificent city of Manchester before now? When I did so, I was welcomed with open arms – my name being the key to the city!

So here, on an extremely brief visit to this great Northern city, are three Lowry highlights.   I definitely plan on returning in 2015 to continue the adventure.

The Lowry Centre: Our first stop – The Quays and The Lowry Centre houses the largest public collection of paintings and drawings by LS Lowry in the world – over 400 works in the collection, 57 of which are oils.  Other things to visit nearby – Imperial War Museum North and Media City UK.

Great to see the docks re-invented.

Sam’s Chop House: LS Lowry used to prop up the bar of Sam’s Chop House so the owners commissioned a life-sized statue who does just that, sit endlessly at the bar.  It’s a little unnerving but I like it!

Sculptor Peter Hodgkinson created the 300 kg bronze statue over a nine-month period.  Oh and it’s a great watering and feeding hole too – we loved our lunch there.

The Lowry Hotel: As a hoteloholic, a visit to Manchester would not be complete without visiting canal side The Lowry Hotel for afternoon tea.

It’s just a short walk from the main centre and has an outstanding collection of contemporary artworks around the lobby.  Their namesake would be proud.  These suspended nudes caught my eye – David Begbie 2001.  Extraordinary.

This was just a taster visit to Manchester and I truly hope to return as soon as I can – it’s a great city and has a real buzz.  And there’s trams, canals and … joy of joy, the set of Coronation Street!

 

Contributor & Photographer:  Sue Lowry

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