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 his place in the history of art.