Co-op 175th celebrations draw inspiration from three Lowry paintings

Photo: Laurence Stephen Lowry, Our Town © The Estate of L.S. Lowry. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2019

LS Lowry image - Laurence Stephen Lowry, Our Town © The Estate of L.S. Lowry. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2019

As part of the year-long celebrations to mark the opening of the first Co-op shop in Rochdale 175 years ago, three original paintings by L S Lowry will go on show in and around the town.

From today (21 December), the exact anniversary of when the Rochdale Pioneers opened their first store in Toad Lane in 1844, the three important Lowry works can be seen at the Touchstones Art Gallery in the town centre.

Footbridge and Cleator Moor, both owned by the Co-op, will be displayed alongside Our Town, which belongs to Rochdale Borough Council.

During their 12 months’ stay in Rochdale, and in the spirit of community and sharing, the works will also be taken out on ‘day trips’ to a number of local schools and community venues.

Purchased for their links to the history and principles of the co-operative movement, the Lowrys owned by the Co-op have rarely left its Manchester offices.

Edward Powell, Co-operative Partnership Manager, said: “Learning from the past, from people like the Rochdale Pioneers, helps to inform our future.

“L.S. Lowry pictured the proud industrial heritage of the north. The Co-op is pleased to lend these two pictures to Touchstones, not only to celebrate our 175th year, but also to help inspire us all to reimagine how co-operation can inform and transform communities in the 21st century.”

Mark Doyle, Art Gallery Curator & Collections Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be able to partner with both the Co-op and The Pioneers Museum on this exciting project which we have no doubt will capture the imagination of our visitors and local audiences.

“This unique opportunity couldn’t come at a more perfect time as we look to radically re-invent how we create more access to our own collections and the artists with whom we are working.

“Drawing on the rich artistic inspiration Lowry found within his immediate surroundings, there will also be an opportunity for visitors to depict the view from their own window with the resulting artwork being exhibited at The Pioneers Museum.”