Leaving the mill

By the time this painting was completed, the industrial North West as Lowry had known it no longer existed. It was a time of harsh redevelopment; those neighbourhoods not destroyed by the war were demolished to make way for modern high-rises lacking in community. Lowry had no interest in this changed environment. His work remained in the bustling era of mills and factories and streets filled with rows of terraced houses. The industrial imagery of the 1960s goes back to that found in his paintings and drawings of the 1930s and 40s, and includes the carriage which seems to lead the workers away from the mill and the viewer deeper into the picture.

Another feature found in several early works is Lowry's use of his initials or his address as an integral part of the scene. Here his signature forms the sign on the building at the lower left.

We are very grateful to Judith Sandling for providing the above catalogue entry.