Filming begins this month in Manchester on new feature about L.S. Lowry

Filming begins this month in Manchester on Mrs Lowry and Son, a new feature about the artist and his relationship with his mother.

When his father died in 1932, Lowry became responsible for the care of his bed-ridden, 73 year-old mother, Elizabeth.

She proves to be the catalyst and curse of his career.

She was a depressed presence in her bachelor son’s life and a negative voice, criticising his every move whilst spurring him on to create something that would impress her.

Spending his days as a rent collector, Lowry took art classes by night, painting into the early hours of the morning when his mother was asleep, honing his craft as he aspired to have his work appreciated by the art establishment.

During this period he painted many of the works that would later make him famous.

Extremely excited to start shooting Mrs Lowry and Son with the wonderful Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Spall this month 🎨👌🏼 https://t.co/jTE8JIRg4P

— Genesius Pictures (@GenesiusPicture) January 12, 2018

Described by production company Genesius Pictures as a ‘poetic, powerful and humorous drama’, the film explores a little known yet hugely consequential mother-son dynamic that would shape the art world for ever.

Lowry and his mother will be played by award-winning actors Timothy Spall and Vanessa Redgrave.

The film will be directed by multiple award-winning director Adrian Noble (former chief executive of the Royal Shakespeare Company), with a screenplay by award-winning Salford-born writer Martyn Hesford, whose credits include Fantabulosa! the BAFTA-nominated TV play about Kenneth Williams, and several episodes of Coronation Street.

It is based on a radio play of the same name which was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012 and subsequently adapted for the stage.