Newly discovered Cornish self-portrait will also now feature in this major exhibition by two extraordinary storytellers of everyday life, who showcase the north through different lenses.
Over 50 paintings, drawings and sketches by artists Norman Cornish and LS Lowry will be showcased at The Bowes Museum from 20th July 2024 to 19th January 2025. This major new exhibition includes 35 rarely or previously unseen artworks by the artists who shared a strong love of the north, which was the focus of so much of their work, and who have a history of exhibiting together.
The exhibition will also now feature a newly discovered self-portrait by Norman Cornish. This new painting was uncovered during conservation work to Cornish’s painting Bar Scene. The Bowes Museum’s Conservator, Jon Old, described its discovery as ‘magical’. Although it shows Cornish in his younger days, it is not yet known where this never-before-seen painting fits in the wider chronology of the artist’s works, but it has now become the 29th known self-portrait by Cornish and will be proudly displayed facing the other self-portraits in the exhibition.
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey from ‘meeting’ both artists to seeing their perceptions of the different environments they encountered. These, and the experiences shared by their friends, family and the wider community within those places, are beautifully documented throughout. The artworks span different themes, from community and working life to the role of women.
Visitors can also see a different style from Lowry with more figurative sketches and paintings of his loved ones. These include portraits of his mother and father, and Study of a Girl in Peasant Dress 1917, which are quite unlike his more familiar matchstick style figures.
From August to November the Museum will also host an engaging series of talks supporting the exhibition. The five talks include intimate reflections and personal stories from members of the Cornish family, and insights into LS Lowry’s life and works by Curator of The Lowry Collection in Salford Claire Stewart. Attendees can also hear Redhill’s CEO Nick Malyan explore the area’s mining history and what this community looks like today, and Dr Vicki Pugh, from York St John University, who will discuss the relationship between industry and the environment. More details will be released in due course.
To find out more about The Bowes Museum, visit: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk