L.S. Lowry RA, Station Approach, 1962.
Oil on board. 407 mm x 509 mm x 4 mm. © Royal Academy of Arts. © Photo: Royal Academy of Arts, London. Photographer: Prudence Cuming Associates Limited.
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Station Approach, 1962
L.S. Lowry RA (1887 - 1976)
RA Collection: Art
Lowry's Diploma painting depicts the frenetic movement of pedestrians and cars around Exchange Station in Manchester's city centre. The crowded street is seen from a high viewpoint, reducing the figures to Lowry's characteristic black silhouettes with daubs of muted colour. Although he more frequently depicted such figures amongst the factories and terraced streets of industrial areas, the artist painted at least two views of the approach to this station. Fond of saying 'I only paint what I see, you know', Lowry nevertheless habitually painted from memory or imagination. In this case, he took particular liberties with the station façade and with the statue of Oliver Cromwell which stood at the junction. In the background, the sky is tinged with smokey grey, almost obscuring landmarks such as the tower of Strangeways Prison on the right. Exchange Station was built in 1884 but closed in 1969 and has since been demolished.
Artist profile L.S. Lowry RA
Royal Academician
Elected ARA: 22 April 1955
Elected RA: 26 April 1962
Elected Senior RA: 31 December 1962
Born: 1 November 1887
Died: 23 February 1976
Artist/designer
Copyright owner
407 mm x 509 mm x 4 mm
Diploma Work given by L.S. Lowry RA accepted 1962
Manchester (Greater Manchester) Station High Angle View High Up People Steam Locomotive Urban Scene Car Pedestrian Statue Distant (Descriptive Position) Crowd Outdoors
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