Home / Arts and Entertainment / Salford Quays: How Art Resurrected a Dockland
Salford Quays: How Art Resurrected a Dockland
7 Feb
Summary
- LS Lowry's art transformed derelict Salford docks into a creative hub.
- The Lowry arts centre spurred regeneration in Salford Quays.
- A £7.8m donation secured 'Going to the Match' for public display.

LS Lowry's enduring legacy has been instrumental in the revitalization of Salford's docklands, turning a once-derelict area into the thriving creative hub of Salford Quays.
His artistic vision inspired the creation of The Lowry, a theatre and gallery complex opened in 2000. This arts centre, featuring a substantial collection of Lowry's works, acted as a catalyst for broader regeneration.
The complex has since seen the establishment of institutions like the Imperial War Museum North and the BBC's MediaCityUK, transforming Salford Quays into a significant destination.
A pivotal moment in preserving Lowry's connection to the area was the acquisition of his famous painting 'Going to the Match' for £7.8 million, thanks to a generous donation, ensuring its continued display.
Lowry's art, often characterized by his "matchstick men" and industrial scenes, continues to resonate, symbolizing a profound connection between artistic heritage and urban renewal.




