Laurence Stephen Lowry, R.A. (1887-1976)

The location of the present work has been identified as the River Irwell at Salford. The river, which forms a loop along Peel Park across the Crescent and down the Adelphi section of Salford towards Manchester, was an important subject for Lowry. One of the earliest drawings he made of the view was executed in 1924, a topographical drawing which he kept so that the image could be used again and again, either as a whole, or with modifications (see J. Sandling and M. Leber, Lowry's City, Salford, 2000, p. 39).

The River Irwell often flooded in winter and the present work would appear to show the devastation and desolation created by the high level of the water, the icy-white of the water contrasting sharply with the dark greens and blacks of the landscape.