University to rename building in honour of celebrated alumnus and artist LS Lowry

Manchester Metropolitan University is marking its 200^th anniversary by honouring one of its most celebrated alumni, LS Lowry.

Lowry, who is world-renowned for painting scenes of life in the industrial North West of England, attended Manchester Municipal School of Art, one of the early components of the modern-day University, from 1905-1915.

Now the University will rename the Benzie Building, the modern home of Manchester School of Art, as the Lowry Building from 1 August 2024.

Professor Malcolm Press CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Manchester Met has a long history of creative excellence and as we celebrate our 200^th anniversary it is appropriate for us to recognise our role in the career of such a renowned and much-loved artist as LS Lowry.

“His name is synonymous with the industrial heritage of Manchester and the North West of England, in the same way that Manchester Metropolitan is synonymous with providing the skills and expertise that has driven industry in the North West and beyond for the last 200 years.

“Today we are still enabling students to explore their creativity, by providing opportunities for them to innovate, create and shape the future across the entire spectrum of the arts.

“I hope that LS Lowry’s name and legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students, as well as researchers.”

Lowry was 17-years old when he first attended evening classes at the School of Art, including life drawing lessons with renowned impressionist Adolphe Valette. Lowry later said that he could not “overestimate the impact” Valette had.

The building renaming is being done with the consent and support of the Estate of LS Lowry.

Richard Grossick,  Director, The Estate of L. S. Lowry, said: “It is almost 50 years since the passing of L. S. Lowry in February 1976 and the estate is delighted that he is being celebrated in this way at this time. A fitting tribute to a man whose life and work is woven into the arts and cultural fabric of Greater Manchester.

“L. S. Lowry was a great advocate for the importance of arts education and training which he instilled in his ward and beneficiary Carol Ann Lowry as well as the many other young artists he encountered and encouraged throughout his life. On numerous occasions he acknowledged the significance and value of his time attending Manchester School of Art (Manchester Metropolitan University), to the development of his drawing technique critical to the production and appreciation of his life’s work.

“We hope that his work continues to inspire future generations in a building dedicated to his memory and central to the future of arts and cultural creativity, regionally, nationally and internationally.”

An event to formally name the Lowry Building and celebrate the artist’s life and work will be held in the autumn.

Find out more about how Manchester Met champions creative excellence.