Award-winning writer Glyn Hughes examines LS Lowry's platonic friendships with a succession of young women and their influence on his art. Twenty-five years ago, the artist left almost all his wealth and some very unusual paintings to a young woman called Carol Ann Lowry. She was not related to him but had contacted her namesake in the hope of gaining his support in her own quest to become an artist. Lowry's response was beyond her wildest dreams - he paid for her convent education and helped her through art school - and the pair remained firm friends until his death.
The dark side of the artist: page 13

[Picture caption] A drama about one of the great geniuses of British art and his less famous work in Mr Lowry's Loves

Mr Lowry's Loves 2.15pm R4 FM
Tom Courtenay is the perfect choice to play LS Lowry in this fascinating account of a little-known aspect of the Lancastrian painter's life. The focus of the play is the lifetime attachment that Lowry formed to Carol Ann Lowry, who just happened to have the same surname. They met after Carol had written to Lowry when she was 14 years old, asking for help to make it as an artist. Lowry, who died 25 years ago, left Carol most of his money and some very odd pictures, revealing a dark side to his character of which there was no hint in his singular industrial landscapes. Rachel Atkins plays Carol in Glyn Hughes's play. Read more on page 13.