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

'Who are they Sir? They are my friends and neighbours. Look along Stalybridge Road and you will see every one of them - all done from life ... all done from life. That's a good title - FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS - but it might offend so let's call it FAMILY GROUP - but they are still there, just take a look around. What did I tell you Sir, what did I tell you? They are all outside, every one of them - even the dog!' (L.S. Lowry quoted in a letter from L.A. Ives to Caroline Collier, 14 September 1987).