Berwick beach shelter painted by renowned artist LS Lowry gets a revamp

The shelter, which sits between Berwick Pier, has been used by generations as a place to rest and take in stunning views of the coast.

It gained fame due to a 1959 painting by LS Lowry, entitled ‘On the Sands’, showing the shelter with his trademark matchstick characters walking around.

Lowry was a regular holidaymaker to Berwick and produced a number of sketches and paintings of the town.

Now work is underway to strengthen the internal brick wall, repair the roof and give the shelter a clean-up. The works are expected to take around a fortnight.

The work has been funded by Northumberland County Council, Berwick Preservation Trust and £4,995 from local councillor Catherine Seymour’s small schemes allowance.

Cllr Seymour said: “The Lowry shelter is an iconic structure in the town and one that attracts a lot of visitors doing the Lowry Trail in the area close to the sand and sea.

“It needed some running repairs to bring it back to its former glory and I’m delighted the council and the local community have come together to fund these heritage works.”

Berwick Preservation Trust chairman Chris Hardie added: “Having established the Lowry Trail in Berwick, following its initial renovation of the shelter some 20 years ago, the Preservation Trust is particularly pleased to be once more associated with the restoration of this well-known and well-loved structure being undertaken in the Trust's 50th anniversary year.”

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