First look at Timothy Spall as British artist L.S. Lowry in new movie

Filming has begun in Greater Manchester on a new movie about the relationship between acclaimed artist L.S. Lowry and his mother.

Mr Turner star Timothy Spall will play L.S. Lowry, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, alongside Vanessa Redgrave (Atonement) as his mother Elizabeth.

Mrs Lowry & Son is being directed by Adrian Noble, former chief executive of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Born in 1887, English painter Laurence Stephen Lowry is best known for his works of life in the industrial districts of North West England in the mid-20th century. He died in 1976.

The official story synopsis reads: “The lasting impact of L.S. Lowry remains a hugely important presence in the North West of England and beyond, and he is recognised as one of the UK’s finest ever talents. Lowry lived all of his life with his overbearing mother, a bed-ridden and depressed presence in her bachelor son’s life and a deterring voice as he pursued his artistic ambition. Spending his days as a rent collector, Lowry took art classes by night, painting into the early hours of the morning when his mother fell asleep, to hone his craft as he aspired to have his work appreciated among the elites of London.

“Elizabeth proves to be the catalyst and the curse of Lowry’s career, criticising his every move whilst spurring him on to create a work, anything, that will impress her. This poetic, powerful and humorous drama explores a little known yet hugely consequential mother-son dynamic that would shape the art world forever more.”