Ray Lowry a son of Cadishead was possibly once, one of the best know cartoonists in the country with his distinctive style gracing the pages of such publications as Punch, Private Eye, OZ, Face, City Life but for me the pinnacle was his cartoon strip, "Only Rock And Roll" in the New Musical Express when it was the go to read in the 1970s. Ray may possibly be best remembered for his artwork on the Clash album London Calling, in 1979 influenced by him when he toured America with the band in 1978 as the official "war artist" as Joe Strummer dubbed him. He was not only a cartoonist but an accomplished artist working in oils, a photographer, author, satirist and a font of knowledge when it came to rock and roll music. Ray in later years was dogged with ill health but continued sketching and painting whilst living in Rossendale and in 2008 had a sell out exhibition at The See Gallery in Crawshawbooth, sadly Ray was to die in October 2008 and it seemed his name and work would be lost forever...however. His son, Sam took the reins and became the curator and guardian of his work and set up the website, The Hand of Ray Lowry at which you can purchase Ray's work etc More to the point and slap bang up to date you can view a retrospective exhibition of Ray's work at The Saul Hay Gallery, Castlefield, Manchester which runs from Friday 1st March until Saturday 16th March where you can marvel at his genius. I dropped in on the opening night and was delighted at both the gallery and the number of people who attended on the evening with former Clash Roadie and now John Cooper Clarkes Tour Manager Johnny Green sending a pre-recorded message about his admiration for Ray which was shown on the night, a great tribute. Have a look for yourself it's free to get in and you can purchase the work on display failing that just indulge yourself and reflect on the genius we have sadly lost. https://raylowry.com/ Photos: Bill McLaughlin
