L S Lowry's 'matchstick men' have become some of the most readily recognized images in twentieth-century British art. His vivid and faithful portrayal of the industrial north has led to his adoption as 'the people's artist', though art historians and critics have sought for years to analyse his significance and appeal. This study of Lowry's work provides a full account of his career as well as excerpts from a rare interview given to Edwin Mullins and a discussion by Marina Vaizey of his place in the history of art.