LAWRENCE JAMES ISHERWOOD 1917-1989
biography
Lawrence Isherwood dedicated the majority of his life to painting and produced a staggering amount of work. He fitted the classic stereotype of a struggling artist and was a true eccentric. His style, which has always polarised people, is confident, expressive and spontaneous and his subject matter varies widely from loving portraits of his mother Lily to dark and haunting townscapes of his native Wigan.
In his lifetime, his work was appreciated by the likes of LS Lowry who is quoted as saying "I only buy pictures I like and I bought an Isherwood years ago". Prince Charles is also known to own an Isherwood which he purchased whilst he was at University.
However, it is only since his death in 1989 that his popularity has really taken off. Molly Isherwood (his sister-in-law) has worked hard to re-aquaint the world with his unique output and has staged several large shows here at the Mill House Gallery. His work now often appears in auctions across the country and continues to rise steadily in value.