Lowry inspires young Berwick artists

Budding artists at a Berwick school drew inspiration from one of the North West most famous painters when they took part in the Lowry Schools Programme.

Children of all ages at St Cuthbert’s Catholic First School participated in the project, which focused on the work of LS Lowry, and was organised by the Maltings Trust, a Berwick-based charity which promotes the arts.

Known for his distinctive ‘matchstick men’ and industrial settings, Lowry often spent time in Berwick, and created many paintings of the area.

“Our Key Stage 1 and 2 classes both visited the Granary in Berwick to see the Lowry exhibition and learn more about him and his techniques,” said Clare McGregor, Headteacher at St Cuthbert’s, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“Following on from that, Class 3 had a workshop with local archivist Linda Bankier in school. She showed them images of Berwick at the time Lowry came to visit, and talked about how the town has changed over time.

“On another day, Chloe Smith came to school to run a dance workshop with Class 3. They looked at some of Lowry’s paintings and tried to interpret them in a dance.”

The youngsters also had the opportunity to create their own artwork in the style of the famous painter, assisted by Class Teachers Caroline Wilson and Abbie Thompson.

“All classes also created some Lowry art,” continued Mrs McGregor. “Early Years First School children drew Lowry matchstick men, Class 2 focused on recreating Lowry seascapes, and Class 3 created their own Lowry Christmas cards and paintings, drawing on what they learnt about Lowry’s street scenes.”

Some of the work is now on display in the school gallery, for friends and family to enjoy.

“Our school staff have close links with the local arts community and regularly attend meetings outside of school in order that our pupils take part in local events and exhibitions,” added Mrs McGregor.

“It is great to see the pupils being part of wider community projects and seeing the fruits of their work.

“As Lowry himself visited Bewrick many times throughout his life and created artworks of our town, it is really special that our pupils can get a real insight into his work and enjoy the Lowry Trail around our town even more.”