Berwick to recreate 1930s LS Lowry painting in same spot

People are being urged to dress as characters in an LS Lowry painting in an attempt to recreate a scene he captured in 1938.

The artist was a frequent visitor to Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, and an exhibition of his work is being held at the Maltings Arts Centre until October.

One of his paintings in the town is of Bridge Street which has changed very little over the last eight decades.

Jonathan Macfarlane has a business there and said: “We just thought it would be a way of celebrating the exhibition and Lowry’s connection with the town which he loved so much.”

Lowry, who died in 1976, is known for his depictions of working-class life in the industrial parts of northern England.

But he was also a regular visitor to Northumberland up until his death.

Mr Macfarlane runs ROJO Antiques in Bridge Street with husband Roland Wallis and said the idea came about from a similar event in June.

“We had a colourful clothes day when we asked people to dig out their most vibrant item and wear it about the town and people just loved it,” he said.

“Even though the painting of Bridge Street isn’t in the exhibition, it’s so iconic we just thought the event would be a perfect way of getting people together and having fun.

“We just want people to dig out their coats and bowler hats and bring a dog or two along too, Lowry painted crowds so we don’t mind how many people come along.”

James Lowther, head of visual arts for the Maltings Trust, said: “The exhibition at the Maltings has been one of our most successful for many years.”

He added the event on Bridge Street, on 6 September at 10:00 BST, was “a great way for people in Berwick to find out more about Lowry’s connection with the town”.