There was genuine widespread sadness across the city earlier this year when it was announced the famous 'Going to the Match' painting could be lost from The Lowry gallery in Media City. The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) needed to sell it for its own causes putting LS Lowry's masterpiece at risk of going overseas.
But thankfully after interventions from politicians, arts leaders, and a very generous donation from the Law Family Charitable Foundation, the painting's home was confirmed as The Lowry for good after a successful £8.1m purchase. The 1953 painting depicting football fans arriving at Burnden Park, the former home of Bolton Wanderers, was officially welcomed back yesterday (November 24) with a drinks reception in the Compass room at the Lowry theatre.
There was a warm buzz in the air as members of staff, volunteers, and dignitaries, were able to see the painting in all its glory. This was followed by musical performances from Bolton's own Badly Drawn Boy and The Lightning Seeds best know for Three Lions . This was particularly apt for the night as 'Going to the Match' came home while England's footballers try and bring the World Cup home from Qatar.
