Major LS Lowry Exhibition in the autumn

There is to be a major exhibition of the paintings of LS Lowry in the Autumn. 

The exhibition L.S. Lowry: The Theatre of Life marks the 50th anniversary of Laurence Stephen Lowry (1887 – 1976) and opens at MK Gallery in Milton Keynes in October.  It represents a culmination of a nationwide celebration and features over 140 works, including A Football Match (1932). 

• The new exhibition is the first major career survey of his work in over a decade. In addition to iconic “matchstick men” industrial scenes, the showcase will explore lesser-known works such as portraits and surreal pieces. 
• a rare overview of his career, bringing together lesser-known aspects of his practice, including pencil and charcoal studies from the antique and life, detailed urban drawings, and works in pastel and watercolour that reveal the breadth of his practice (MK Gallery)
• A key theme of the exhibition is a re-examination of the myths that grew around him, situating his life and career within the wider transformations of twentieth-century Britain, as the mills, terraced streets and working communities he depicted were bombed, cleared and replaced.

L.S. Lowry, Our Town (1943). Oil on canvas.

Purchased from the artist, 1944.

© Touchstones Rochdale, Rochdale Arts & Heritage Service.

Basics: 

• L.S. Lowry: The Theatre of Life
• When: 24 October 2026 – 28 February 2026
• MK Gallery, 900 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 3QA
• Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Closed Mondays
• You can book tickets on the MK Gallery website.

L.S. Lowry: The Theatre of Life is also accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue.

Why people like Lowry's art

Lowry is one of the UK’s most beloved artists, yet his exhibitions remain rare. This is an opportunity to see new sides to his art alongside the classics. His work remains unusually relatable, maybe for its lack of pretension, portrayal of everyday life and human gesture. The drama and depth of feeling, occasional humour and absurdity found in his work underpin a strong sense of empathy and humanity that continues to appeal today.” Anthony Spira, Director of MK Gallery and exhibition co-curator

For those who don't know Lowry's art well....

He lived all his life in or near Manchester (mainly in Salford) and worked as a rent collector and clerk for a property company until he retired in 1952. His painting was done mainly at night after his day's work, but he was not a naive painter, having studied intermittently at art schools from 1905 to 1925. (Art UK)

His drawings and paintings often depict scenes of life in the industrial districts of North West England in the mid-20th century.[1] He developed a distinctive style of painting and is best known for his urban landscapes peopled with human figures (Wikipedia)

My 2013 blog post reviewed Lowry and the Painting of Modern Life at Tate Britain. It has images of a number of his paintings which provide some insight into the scope of the upcoming exhibition in Milton Keynes.

The celebration of his life 50 years after his death

The following lists all the ways in which LS Lowry is being celebrated 50 years after his death in 1976.

Exhibitions and Tours

• MK Gallery (Milton Keynes): A major career survey, L.S. Lowry: The Theatre of Life, runs from 24 October 2026 to 28 February 2027. 
• The Lowry (Salford): As the home to the world’s largest public collection of his work, the venue runs ongoing special viewings and exhibits. Explore the collection or book an expert-led tour via The Lowry site. 
• Specialist Tours: Local enthusiasts, including Manchester Taxi Tours, have been offering commemorative, specialized routes exploring the places he lived and painted.

Documentaries and Auctions

• The BBC Broadcast: The BBC released a landmark documentary,  L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes, in which actor Ian McKellen lip-syncs newly discovered audio recordings of the artist from his final years. [1, 2, 3]
• Bonhams New Bond Street (London): A major auction celebrating his 50-year legacy featured iconic works like Figures in Front of a Factory Gate, offering a rare chance to view pieces before private sale. [1, 2]

My past blog posts about LS Lowry

• Two BBC Arts Programmes about JMW Turner and LS Lowry (September 2025) - includes reference to the Lost Tapes.
• LS Lowry: the emerging artist and how he priced his paintings (April 2022)
• Lockdown art #2: Lowry and VE Day (July 2021)
• A new Lowry at Christie's Modern British Art Sale (December 2019)
• Films about artists - Mrs Lowry & Son (August 2019)
• Rare Lowry "Cricket March" painting - on view for 5 days in Salford and London (May 2019)
• Lowry and the Painting of Modern Life - a review (2013)
• LS Lowry and a Manchester perspective (2007)