9-year-old wins The Lowry's Copley Prize

9-year-old wins The Lowry’s Copley Prize

Millie Alice Andrews, 9, from Bury won the prize which recognises creativity and artistic ability in primary aged children.

Selected from over 300 entries, Andrews’ ‘A Walk in the Street’ will hang alongside LS Lowry’s permanent exhibition at the theatre.

Supported by Alison and Noel Copley, The Copley Prize was established in 2013 and invites children to recreate their own modern-day versions of LS Lowry’s work, in ways that represent the world that they live in.

Andrews said: “The idea just pinged into my head. One of the houses is my house and I am in the window, and I like cats and dogs. I put my name in the corner like LS Lowry does.

“He has a unique style. I like the way he draws animals. The simplest looking pictures can sometimes take longer than detailed ones.”

Millie was invited to hang her painting alongside the work of Lowry, where it will remain for the year.

Millie hanging the piece alongside LS Lowry’s work. Image used with permission from The Lowry

Jennifer Riding, Director of Learning & Engagement at The Lowry, said: “We were so excited to welcome Millie to hang her own artwork in The Lowry Galleries.

“It is really important for us to celebrate and support the creativity of children and young people, especially at a time when there is a lot of pressure on children to ‘catch up’. The Copley Prize provides opportunities for children who may not see themselves as artists to discover and share their creative talents.”

Since 2013, The Copley Prize has received over 3,000 entries and showcased the work of eight talented young artists in The Lowry Galleries. In 2018 The Lowry launched The Copley Schools Outreach programme that delivers free high-quality visual arts workshops to schools across Salford.

Thanks to Alison and Noel Copley, 2023 will see The Lowry extend its support to schools under a new umbrella of ‘The Copley Children’s Creative Arts Programme’ that will combine performing arts as well as Visual Arts.

Ten primary schools across Salford will receive a LS Lowry workshop for their pupils, a hamper of art materials, 40 tickets to a performance at The Lowry, a Lowry themed drama workshop, a mindfulness workshop, plus all transport.

Alison Copley said: “Every year The Copley Prize gets better and better – thank you to everyone who supports it. It’s magnificent to see what this year’s winner Millie has achieved and I hope the visitors who see her work on display at The Lowry will get as much enjoyment from it as Noel and I do.”

Any primary school aged children (Key Stage 1 & 2) can submit their work now for the 2023 Copley Prize. Find out more at thelowry.com/get-creative/thecopleyprize/