LS Lowry’s famous ‘Going to the Match’ to be displayed in Greater Manchester gallery- full dates

One of LS Lowry’s most famous paintings is to be on display in a Greater Manchester gallery this month. ‘Going to the Match’ will have a proud place inside Gallery Oldham for over two months.

The 1953 work depicts football fans heading to watch Bolton Wanderers at their old ground Burnden Park. It will be on display from December 2 to February 24 2024.  

The work first moved to The Lowry on a temporary basis in 2000, a move that became permanent in 2022. The display period in Oldham will be the first of several stops for the famous painting around the North West. these other towns are Bury, Birkenhead and Blackpool. 

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.”

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said: “I’m delighted ‘Going to the Match’ is coming to Gallery Oldham.

“Lowry was a frequent visitor to Oldham and images of the borough feature in his works. To get one of his most famous paintings loaned to us is a real honour. I hope that as many people as possible take this opportunity to see this important artwork.”