A LIFE-SIZED print of a classic LS Lowry painting now has pride of place at the John Howarth Countryside Centre and cafe at Daisy Nook for visitors to look at.
Painted in 1946, the picture depicts the Good Friday crowds at Daisy Nook’s famous Easter fair and is a seminal work by Lowry.
It changed hands in 2007 for over £3.7 million – a record at the time for a painting by the Salford artist, who moved to Mottram in Longdendale in 1948 where he resided until his death in 1976, painting many important works there.
Now part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport collection, it graced the walls of 10 Downing Street for many years and has also been loaned to institutions including The Lowry and Tate Britain.
The Easter Fair at Daisy Nook, situated between Droylsden and Failsworth, is still held annually and run by the Silcock family, whose name appears in the painting.
John Silcock, of Silcock’s Fun Fairs, presented the framed print to cafe owner Amy Meadows from Friends of Daisy Nook.
The fairground boss is proud of the association between Lowry and Silcock’s.
“Daisy Nook Easter Fair is the jewel in the crown of our family’s touring calendar across the North West and beyond,” John said.
“We’re delighted that cafe-goers will be now able to see the event immortalised by LS Lowry in his unique way, and are grateful to Amy and her team for giving the picture pride of place in the Countryside Centre.”
Originally known as the village of Waterhouses, the name Daisy Nook was coined in a book written by Benjamin Brierly in 1855, in which he recounted a ramble to a fictional beauty spot.
The country park by the River Medlock has been known as Daisy Nook ever since.
Whilst the M60 now passes close by, it still has a rural feel and is a popular destination for walkers and local families.
“Although there is an industrial chimney just visible on the horizon, the overall mood of the painting is one of holiday and post-war optimism,” said Christie’s, who brokered the 2007 sale, about the Lowry painting.
“A multitude of colourful figures throng the painting, children are clutching newly-bought whirligigs and flags and groups of people crowd round the striped fairground tents and queue for the rides on offer.”
This year’s Easter Fair, which takes place from Good Friday, March 29, to Saturday, April 14, will see over 50 rides and attractions for all ages.
Entry is free and opening times are 1pm to 6pm.
For more information, visit SilcocksFunFairs.com or email john.Silcock@hotmail.co.uk