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Deep Dive: Looking for Lowry (2011)

Film Lens

Looking for Lowry
Looking for Lowry with Ian McKellen is a documentary about the British artist L. S. Lowry and his work. Written and directed by Margy Kinmonth, the film features Ian McKellen portraying Lowry, along with contributions from Noel Gallagher and Dame Paula Rego. The documentary investigates why the Tate Modern does not display any of its 23 Lowry paintings, despite his popularity. It includes a visit to the Tate Modern store to view the Lowry collection and raises questions about the artist's recognition in the art world. The film also features Carol Lowry, Lowry's heiress, who shares her personal experiences and a 19-year friendship with him. She appears on film for the first time, discussing her inheritance of Lowry's estate and showcasing her personal archive found in his house. The documentary sparked controversy, leading to Tate Britain facing criticism for not displaying Lowry's works, which resulted in a major exhibition titled "Lowry and the Painting of Modern Life" in 2013.

Why Watch

  • Meet Carol Lowry, L. S. Lowry's heiress and friend.
  • Find out why Tate Modern doesn't display Lowry's works.
  • See Ian McKellen portray L. S. Lowry.

Did You Know

The film features Carol Lowry, who was Lowry's heiress and friend for 19 years.
Tate Britain held a major exhibition of Lowry's landscapes in 2013 after the film.
The documentary premiered on ITV's Perspectives strand on April 24, 2011.
The film has a duration of 50 minutes.

Perfect For

Art enthusiastsFans of Ian McKellenDocumentary lovers