The LS Lowry Lecture returns for 2025 with Manchester-born Jeanette Winterson CBE as part of Lowry’s 25th anniversary celebrations

Lowry’s 25^th anniversary in 2025 sees the return of the annual LS Lowry Lecture and on Saturday 26^th April Lowry will welcome the renowned-writer Jeanette Winterson CBE.

Jeanette Winterson published her first novel Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit in 1985 This year marks the 40^th anniversary of a modern classic in print across the world.

She has published more than 20 works of fiction and non-fiction including the memoir Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?. 

Jeanette Winterson was born in Manchester. Her birth mother was a factory machinist, making overcoats for Marks & Spencer in the days when Lancashire was still a textile giant. Jeanette was adopted and grew up in Accrington. Her father worked in a factory from the age of 14 until he was 65 and fought in the Second World War. As Winterson has said: ‘He was scarred, fit, misshapen, proud. He was a working man. Who was going to paint the likes of him in his machine-stamped life? … Lowry.’

Jeanette Winterson will present a personal perspective on LS Lowry from the Quays Theatre as part of Lowry’s special 25^th anniversary celebrations.

Jeanette Winterson CBE, said: “I am delighted to come back home to talk about this great 20th century painter.”

Julia Fawcett OBE, Chief Executive of Lowry, said: “Lowry is home to the world’s biggest public collection of LS Lowry’s work, and he spent much of his life living in and painting the streets and people of Salford. Presented previously by notable speakers including novelist Howard Jacobson and broadcaster writer and journalist Stuart Maconie, we’re excited to see the LS Lowry Lecture make its return as part of Lowry Turns 25, and who better to present than the renowned Jeanette Winterson CBE.”

Tickets for the LS Lowry Lecture on Saturday 26^th April are available now from thelowry.com.

Lifelines: The LS Lowry Lecture is part of Lowry Turns 25 which has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The special event is part of Lowry’s 25th Anniversary celebrations—marking our commitment to creativity, opportunity, and making the arts available to everyone.

From the iconic work of LS Lowry to the life-changing impact of our programmes with young people, we’re celebrating with an inspiring mix of shows, art and events.

With free family activities and affordable tickets, we’re making sure everyone can take part.

The LS Lowry Lecture by Jeanette Winterson CBE at Lowry, Salford on Saturday 26 Apr 2025. Tickets are available here.