A NEW exhibition by artist LS Lowry celebrating the 130th anniversary of his birth opens at the weekend.

The display will be at the South Shields Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday and runs until September 9.

Well-known for his urban industrial landscapes of crowds of anonymous stick-like figures, Lowry’s later work often focussed more on individuals.

Geoff Woodward, Manager of South Shields Museum & Art Gallery said: “Lowry is one of Britain’s most popular artists and he has a strong connection with South Tyneside and Sunderland.

"He found great artistic inspiration in the towns and coast of the North-East.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring together in South Shields this selection from the fascinating range of paintings and drawings Lowry produced in response to the landscape and people of the region.”

In the later part of his life Lowry spent much of his time in the region, particularly in Sunderland and South Shields, and also Jarrow and Hebburn.

The exhibition has a variety of works including landscapes, strange surreal sketches and symbolic images.

For access details and directions see www.southshiledsmuseum.org.uk. Entry to the museum is free, but a donation is welcome.