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Man Lying on a Wall (1957)

Man Lying on a Wall (1957)

Original Medium: Oil on canvas

Lowry claims to have seen this scene one day as he was traveling on the top deck of a bus. He said: ‘It was the umbrella propped against the wall which caught my eye and prompted the picture… The chap was well-dressed, obviously enjoying the smoke and his rest. I couldn’t resist doing him as a subject.’ Lowry put his own initials on the man’s briefcase.

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About ls lowry

LS Lowry (1887–1976) is one of Britain’s most iconic artists, best known for his evocative industrial landscapes and distinctive figures that populate scenes such as Going to the Match. A master observer of working-class life in northern England, Lowry also explored quieter moments through haunting seascapes and intimate portraits.

His signature use of a limited colour palette and stylised figures created a visual language that remains instantly recognisable. Many of his finest works, including Coming from the Mill and Yachts, are preserved in the acclaimed Lowry Collection in our Salford galleries.

Today, his legacy lives on through popular art prints, limited editions, and exhibitions that celebrate the enduring appeal of LS Lowry and his timeless vision of Britain.