Iconic LS Lowry painting ‘Going to the Match’ starts year long tour- with Greater Manchester venue first stop

One of Stretford-born artist LS Lowry’s most famous paintings has set off on its year long tour of the North West. ‘Going to the Match’ has left its home at Salford’s Lowry Theatre and is currently in its first stop, which is Gallery Oldham. 

Lowry’s famous works often depicted people going about their day. Sometimes this was to work or school, and in the case of this work, it shows people going to a football game.  ‘Going to the Match’ was painted in 1953 and shows Bolton Wanderers fans heading to their team's old home Burden Park. The work shows fans enjoying a pass time, set against a backdrop of Lancashire’s industrial heritage. 

After leaving Oldham, ‘Going to the Match’ will visit The Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool, Birkenhead’s Williamson Art Gallery, The National Football Museum in Manchester and finally the Bury Art Museum. At each venue, the artwork will be the centre of creative workshops and school projects. It continues to be a fascinating work to people of all ages.  

Chief Executive of The Lowry, Julia Fawcett O.B.E. said: “Going to the Match is a masterpiece and for that reason alone, it was important we were able to secure it so that future generations could come and see it, for free, forever. Lowry was a great observer of ordinary people, particularly in the industrial landscape and the picture captures that pre-match expectation and excitement. 

“It was so important to us that an artwork which speaks so directly to the people of the North was brought permanently back to where it belongs. Thanks to the wonderful generosity of The Law Family Charitable Foundation we were able to purchase the painting for the City of Salford, and we look forward to returning that generosity by sharing the painting with other venues and communities across the North West of England over the coming months and years.”

Jen Cleary, Director North, Arts Council England said: “It was a moment to celebrate when The Lowry successfully secured Going to the Match last year and I’m delighted that we are supporting it to tour the North West through our National Lottery Project Grants programme. Lowry is an artist so closely embedded in the region and it is fantastic that people will be able to see the painting for free in their own communities and respond to it using their own creativity.”

Going to the Match Tour Dates 2023-2025 

• Gallery Oldham: December 2 2023 - February 24 2024 
• The Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool: March 2 2024 - March 30 2024    
• Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, Birkenhead: April 19 2024 - July 27 2024             
• The National Football Museum, Manchester: August 19 2024 - September 1 2024 
• Bury Art Museum: October 2024 - February 1 2025