Ballet to mark death of LS Lowry

LS Lowry's paintings were inspired by Salford's landscape

A ballet inspired by the painter LS Lowry will be premiered in his home city to mark the 30th anniversary of his death.

Lowry, famous for his distinctive paintings of northern industrial landscapes, lived in Salford, Greater Manchester, for most of his life.

The Rambert Dance Company is to perform a ballet inspired by his paintings at The Lowry arts centre.

Lowry, whose style divided critics, died on 23 February 1976, aged 88.

During his lifetime he was described by some as an amateur "Sunday painter" but is now rated by many as one of Britain's most important artists of the 20th Century.

LS Lowry's paintings can fetch large sums at auction

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The Lowry, which houses many of his works, said it was fitting that his death should be marked by a ballet performance, as he had been a fan of the art form and saw the first Rambert tour to Manchester in 1931.

The performance in his honour has been created by choreographer Darshan Singh Bhuller.

'Real affinity'

The Lowry's artistic director Robert Robson said: "We're thrilled that Darshan will be the choreographer for this exciting piece.

"His work has been very strong over the years and well received at The Lowry in recent times.

"We believe he has a real affinity with LS Lowry - the artist's life and work."

Mr Bhuller said he had been inspired by Lowry's themes of isolation and the suppression of people by the industrial landscape in which they lived.

The ballet will be premiered on 27 September while The Lowry has also established an annual LS Lowry Lecture, beginning on 28 February.