A rarely seen work by L.S. Lowry (1887–1976) goes on display in Berwick to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the artist’s death.
At the heart of the exhibition is a newly acquired pencil sketch, Spittal, Berwick (1960) – depicting a boat and figures on Spittal Beach. The work has been acquired by The Maltings (Berwick) Trust earlier this year, increasing the number of original Lowry works held in the town’s collection.
This sketch is exhibited alongside two works from Berwick’s Town Collection – Old Berwick (1936) and Beach Scene (1954) – and a further sketch on loan from a private collection, bringing these four works together for the first time and offering a rare opportunity to see Lowry’s connection to Berwick explored across multiple works.
Within the exhibition, these works are presented alongside other pieces from Berwick’s Town Collection grounded in place and people, creating a dialogue between artworks that reflect shared themes in Lowry’s practice and his enduring interest in landscape, community and everyday life.
Lowry and Berwick
Although Lowry is forever associated with his industrial scenes of the North West, he had a deep affinity with the North East. He first visited Berwick-upon-Tweed around 1935 and returned regularly until his death in 1976, capturing the town’s streets and buildings, alongside views of the North Sea.
Lowry produced over 20 works featuring Berwick, including paintings of the harbour and pier, Spittal Beach, salmon fishing on the River Tweed and the Town Hall. A Berwick work was included in his first solo London exhibition at the Reid and Lefevre Gallery in 1938.
As a subject, the sea fascinated Lowry from childhood, and his relationship with it deepened over time. He once wrote: “I have been fond of the sea all my life, how wonderful it is, yet how terrible it is.”
Plan your visit
How to get here
The Storehouse is located within Berwick Barracks, Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1DF. Just a short walk from Berwick-upon-Tweed town centre.
• By train: Berwick-upon-Tweed station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Barracks, with regular services on the East Coast Main Line.
• By car: Public parking is available in the town centre within walking distance of the Barracks.
• On foot: The Barracks sit within Berwick’s historic walls and are easily reached from the High Street and surrounding town centre routes.
About The Living Barracks
The Living Barracks Project aims to restore and renew the historic Berwick Barracks site’s pivotal role as a central part of the town’s social and cultural life.
The Living Barracks Project is an exciting collaboration between Berwick Barracks Heritage Trust (BBHT), English Heritage, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Association (KOSB), Maltings (Berwick) Trust and Northumberland County Council and proudly supported by The Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund (CDF), The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Northumberland County Council and other generous supporters.