The death of L.S Lowry father in 1932 left him with the responsibility of taking care of his ailing mother who was now bedridden, depressed and suffering with neurosis.
His only opportunity to do any painting was after his mother had gone to bed at night.
In October 1939 after seven years of ill health, his mother died leaving L.S Lowry feeling depressed.
The depression led to him neglecting his own wellbeing and the upkeep of his house. His landlord had no other option but to evict him from the property.
During World War II L.S Lowry was requested to become a war artist for Great Britain. As well as being an war artist for the entirety of the war, he also volunteered as a firewatcher in Manchester.
Eight years after being a war artist L.S Lowry was given the honour of painting Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation in 1953.
Lowry holds the record for turning down the most honours including an OBE. In total he turned down five honour awards and declined the CH in 1972 and 1976.
In the 1950’s Lowry would often visit the Seaburn Hotel at Seaburn in County Durham and was often seen painting scenes of the beach, nearby ports and coalmines.
Some fine examples of Lowry’s work can often be found on pieces of scrap paper, serviettes and envelopes. As he would do sketch for people he met on the beach or elsewhere and give them the picture as a keepsake.
Many of these keepsakes have now been sold for thousands of pounds and a fine example of his work on show at Sunderland Mariott Hotel that was formerly known as Seaburn Hotel.
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