Mrs Lowry & Son explores the complex relationship between famous artist LS Lowry and his disapproving mother.
Mrs Lowry & Son is the ‘beautiful, delicate, intimate and amusing’ story of the brittle but vital relationship between L. S. Lowry, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, and his bedridden, unhappy and controlling mother.
Engrossing and entertaining, Mrs Lowry & Son offers up a veritable masterclass in acting, with Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Spall spellbinding as a mother and son separated by art and ambition.
The film premiered at The Lowry last night (August 27). Special guests Timothy Spall and Adrian Noble (former RSC director) took part in an on-stage ‘In Conversation’ after the screening.
Timothy Spall said:
“I’m delighted to be bringing this film back to Lowry’s hometown of Salford, and am thrilled that the premiere is taking place in the building where his work is on display for all to enjoy.”
The film tells the story of Lowry (Spall), not yet established as an artist, who works as a rent collector, walking the streets of Salford, mixing with factory workers and observing the town closely. In the evenings, he takes art classes and paints until the early hours of the morning.
He is resolutely loyal and well mannered towards his bitter mother, Elizabeth (Redgrave), who tries to dissuade her bachelor son from pursuing his artistic ambitions and never misses a chance to tell him what a disappointment he is to her.
Adrian Noble’s wonderfully observed film gently reveals how Lowry’s snobbish mother is the obstacle preventing him from fulfilling his artistic ambition, as he desperately tries to create something (whether it be dinner or a painting) that might make her happy.
This lovely film is punctuated by delightful moments of humour, as it depicts the impact a bitterly obsessive mother had on one of this country’s greatest artists.
A special display has popped-up at The Lowry to celebrate the film’s release. The display includes behind the scenes photographs, props from the set, film clips, mood boards, shooting schedules and the final screenplay signed by the film’s stars. As well as a selection of paintings and watercolours by Timothy Spall, painted during and after filming.