The Elms, Mottram
L.S. Lowry
R.B.A., R.A.Lowry's House, The Elms, Mottram, Longdendale
To the amazement of the new owners, removing the old carpet in their new house revealed more than they could possibly imagine. Underneath the old carpet of their dining room at The Elms in Mottram, the floor was covered with a multitude of paint drops that must have come from Mr Lowry whilst he was working. Upto now they have not discovered any unseen works, but they are still hopeful. It is however, a beautiful reminder that this great master of art once lived in the house.
The new owners explained, 'The lady we bought it off told us about it. When we moved in we couldn't resist it any longer and had to have a look. We pulled the corner of the carpet back and we just couldn't believe it, the paint was everywhere.
An original Lowry has recently sold for £5.6 million and it was probably painted at this address. It's very odd to imagine his paintings in the dining room. It's absolutely incredible. We may not be the owners of an original painting, but the property is quite unique. The deeds of course bear his signature.'
Alice and Chris bought Lowry's old house in September. He used to paint in the dining room and paintings, drawings and sketches would have been everywhere over the thirty years he lived at The Elms until 1976.
Much renovation, has been carried out by the previous inhabitants. The new owners however, who do admit that their knowledge of this world renowned artist was minimal, plan to restore The Elms to its former glory as it was when Lowry lived in the house.
The Blue Plaque
After carrying out some research on the house and the artist himself, through photos and literature, they plan to rebuild the staircase and the original wood burning stove, which will become features in themselves. Many of the original features will be restored including Lowry's bedroom.
With the help of a relative who works in traditional materials, they hope to entirely restore the kitchen in the manner it used to be, using the same type of wallpaper and paints to as near as possible an original replica.
Many local people have helped to paint a picture of what the house and Lowry was like when he lived at The Elms, from the nearby pub to the window cleaner and the milkman.
They met a man who used to be Lowry's neighbour, and were amazed at all the tales he could remember, as do many people in the local inn. He was well known in the area, and the new owners who already feel a strong bond with the community hope they can preserve the memories for everyone to enjoy.
A film has already been made of Lowry, and The Elms together with the new owners, and nearby there is a statue which commemorates the life and work of L.S.Lowry.
Apparently, there is also the story of a man who paid £50 for one brick from The Elms whilst the chimmney was being repaired.
You might expect Alice and Chris to feel intimidated by the magnitude and importance of the project they are taking on, to add to it they aim to have everything done within a year. But the couple, whose last house was a 300 year old cottage they restored themselves, are ready for the challenge.
Thew present owners are trying to find out as much as they can about the house and Lowry, and even the people who lived there before. Lowry once described the house as ugly and uncomfortable but the new owners plan to make it a warm and fascinating house.