A day in Manchester - no boating

We have decided to stay in Manchester for at least today, though the weather forecast looks like we will be staying tomorrow as well. Canalling in the rain is not much fun - necessary at times, but not something to choose.

Today after shopping we took the Metro light railway to Salford Quays where the now disused docks have been converted for residential, shopping, and entertainment uses. The unashamedly modern buildings in our view work very well in the setting.

One of many impressive buildings at Salford Quays

The main purpose of our visit was to look at the Lowry Gallery which forms part of The Lowry, a multi-purpose arts complex. The Gallery provides an interesting and helpful film introducing the man, his life, and his art. We had not realised that there was far more to him that the well known matchstick men. The Gallery does have many of these pictures, but also includes some atmospheric seascapes and landscapes, and a few portraits. Almost every one seems to show a strange lonely isolation - even the matchstick men aren't really interacting with each other.

The Lowry, Salford Quays

While I (Mike) returned to the boat, Denise stayed behind to look around the Lowry Outlet Mall. I wonder what the great man would have made of that! It is now pouring with rain, I guess Denise will be back soon soaked.