Portrait of L S Lowry now part of the Lowry Collection
Wednesday 30th July 2025
As part of the new family-friendly exhibition 'Quentin Blake and Me' recently opened at Lowry in Salford, Quentin has created a portrait of the gallery's namesake, painter L. S. Lowry.
Quentin came up with a full-length depiction of the Lancashire-born artist, who was most famous for his artworks of life in and around Manchester in the early 20th century, filled with 'matchstick' people. Quentin's drawing shows Lowry in a hat and long overcoat, and holding a notepad.
Lowry gallery's director of visual art, Michael Simpson, explained that Quentin had initially declined to do the portrait.
Lowry gallery's director of visual art, Michael Simpson, explained that Quentin had initially declined to do the portrait.
"He was very sweet and he said, 'I'm sorry, I don't do drawings of real people unless it's myself, Then, a couple of days later, suddenly out of the blue, this drawing appears and it's Lowry leaning on his stick with his notepad in his hand, which is perfect for this exhibition because that's what all the kids are doing,"
Each young visitor to the Quentin Blake exhibition is presented with a free notebook, for them to create their own stories in words and pictures There are plenty of opportunities for drawing and colouring in the galleries, which are packed with interactive fun for visitors of all ages.
The portrait of LS Lowry has been framed and is now hanging on show near Quentin's exhibition. Even once the exhibition has closed, the portrait will remain at the gallery permanently as part of its collection on LS Lowry and his work.
Recorded on the wall underneath the drawing are Quentin's own thoughts about it:
"I can't express how delighted I was to be asked to draw L.S. Lowry. I have learned from experience that drawing likenesses is not something I am best at. However, for some reason I found I could draw Lowry and it was a real pleasure."
Visitors to the exhibition can also buy a range of merchandise featuring the new portrait, including mugs, coasters, pencils and a print, allowing them to take home a lasting memento of this very rare and unusual commission.
'Quentin Blake and Me' is free to enter - though ticketed - and is open Tuesdays-Sundays at Lowry in Salford until 4 January 2026.
