The Derelict House - Laurence Stephen Lowry RA

In this painting, the curved road which pushes out towards the centre foreground draws the viewer's eye to the single figure looking towards the open door of the derelict house, an island in the seeming emptiness. Lowry explores the tension of a lonely landscape - a dilapidated solitary house centred in the picture space with the fence marking a boundary with the gently undulating hills that provide a diminishing horizon. Initially there may be a temptation to see the image as melancholy, a symbol of the decay and futility of the future, but the image may also be perceived as very peaceful and calm, contemplative of the past and looking to the future. As a painter Lowry was a master of simplicity and clarity of composition. In this work he emphasises the various elements of the painting with horizontal white brushstrokes used for the road and background, whilst overlaying contrasting vertical brushstrokes on the house, fence and figure to bring these aspects of the image to our attention. The tonality and texture of the white imbues the scene with a dream-like, other-worldly atmosphere.

Laurence Stephen Lowry is famous for painting scenes of life in the industrial districts of North West England in the mid-20th century. L. S. Lowry developed a distinctive style of painting and is best known for his urban landscapes peopled with human figures often referred to as "matchstick men". Lowry painted mysterious un-populated landscapes, brooding portraits and the unpublished "marionette" works, which were only found after his death.