The movie Mrs. Lowry & Son is based on a true story.
It is a portrait of the artist L.S. Lowry (Timothy Spall) and his relationship with his mother (Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave), who tries to dissuade him from pursuing his passion.
Laurence Stephen Lowry (November 1, 1887 – February 23, 1976) was an English artist. Many of his drawings and paintings depict Pendlebury, Lancashire, where he lived and worked for more than 40 years, and also Salford and its surrounding areas.
Lowry is famous for painting scenes of life in the industrial districts of North West England in the mid-20th century. He developed a distinctive style of painting and is best known for his urban landscapes peopled with human figures often referred to as “matchstick men.” He painted mysterious unpopulated landscapes, brooding portraits and the unpublished “marionette” works, which were only found after his death.
Lowry twice declined appointment to the Order of the British Empire: as an Officer (OBE) in 1955, and as a Commander (CBE) in 1961. He turned down a knighthood in 1968, and appointments to the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in 1972 and 1976. He holds the record for the most honors declined.
