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LS Lowry Birthplace, Old Trafford, Manchester

Discover the humble origins of LS Lowry, the iconic painter of industrial Manchester, at his birthplace in Old Trafford.

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The LS Lowry Birthplace at 29 Shrewsbury Street in Old Trafford, Manchester, marks the early home of Laurence Stephen Lowry, one of Britain's most iconic painters. Known for his distinctive industrial scenes and matchstick figures, Lowry’s origins in this working-class area deeply influenced his art. Though the house itself is modest, it stands as a historical landmark celebrating the roots of a key figure in British modern art, located near the vibrant cultural and sporting heart of Manchester.

A brief summary to LS Lowry birthplace

  • 29 Shrewsbury St, Manchester, Old Trafford, Stretford, M16 9AU, GB
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • The birthplace is a historical landmark visible from the street, so plan for a brief visit as it is not a museum.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Old Trafford stadium or The Lowry arts centre in Salford Quays.
  • Explore the surrounding Old Trafford area to appreciate the industrial environment that inspired Lowry’s work.
  • Check local heritage tours that include the LS Lowry Birthplace for enriched historical context.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metrolink tram to the Old Trafford stop, followed by a 15-minute walk through residential streets to reach 29 Shrewsbury Street. Trams run frequently with tickets costing approximately £3-£5.

  • Bus

    Several local bus routes serve Old Trafford, including routes 250 and 255. From the nearest bus stop, it is a 10-minute walk to the birthplace. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £4.

  • Car

    Driving to Old Trafford is possible, but parking is limited and often requires payment in nearby car parks. Expect to pay £5-£10 for parking. The area is best accessed outside peak football match times to avoid congestion.

LS Lowry birthplace location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about LS Lowry birthplace

Origins of a Northern Artist

The LS Lowry Birthplace is a modest terraced house located in Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester. This unassuming home is where Laurence Stephen Lowry was born in 1887. Lowry’s early life in this industrial district of Manchester profoundly shaped his artistic vision. The working-class environment, with its factories, mills, and bustling streets, became the backdrop and inspiration for his signature paintings capturing the industrial North West of England.

Lowry’s Artistic Legacy

Lowry is celebrated for his unique style, featuring simplified figures often described as 'matchstick men' and evocative urban landscapes. His work offers a poignant social commentary on industrial life, depicting scenes of mills, factories, football matches, and crowds. The birthplace stands as a tangible connection to the artist’s formative years before he moved on to become a defining figure in British art history.

The Cultural Context of Old Trafford

Old Trafford, known internationally for its football stadium, also holds cultural significance as a historic industrial area. The birthplace is situated in a neighborhood that reflects the working-class ethos that Lowry immortalized in his art. This area’s social and industrial heritage provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the environment that influenced Lowry’s perspective and subjects.

Preservation and Commemoration

While the house itself is not a museum, it is recognized as a historical landmark commemorating Lowry’s early years. It forms part of the broader cultural landscape of Manchester and Salford, where Lowry’s legacy is celebrated extensively, including at The Lowry arts centre in Salford Quays, which houses the world’s largest public collection of his works.

Visiting the Birthplace Today

The site is accessible for viewing from the street and is often included in cultural and heritage tours of Manchester. Its proximity to other landmarks such as Old Trafford stadium and Salford Quays makes it a meaningful stop for those interested in the city’s industrial past and artistic heritage.

Enduring Influence on British Art

Lowry’s birthplace symbolizes the humble beginnings of an artist whose work transcended regional boundaries to gain national and international acclaim. His paintings continue to resonate for their emotional depth and historical insight into early 20th-century industrial Britain, making the birthplace a site of artistic pilgrimage and cultural reflection.

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