An iconic masterpiece by LS Lowry of Bolton Wanderers fans is making a special appearance at Gallery Oldham this winter.

The famous painting, called Going to the Match, depicts football fans arriving for a Bolton Wanderers game in 1953 at their former home, Burnden Park.

The adored piece had been on display at The Lowry since it opened in 2000, courtesy of a loan by the then owners, the Professional Footballers Association.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

However, following the decision by the PFA last year to sell the artwork, there was no guarantee that any future owners would share the commitment to keeping the work on public view - and free to access.

But following a high-profile campaign, Going to the Match was purchased by The Lowry in Salford for The Lowry Collection at the Modern British and Irish Art Sale at Christie's in London in October last year, generously supported by The Law Family Charitable Foundation. The arts centre paid £7.8m at auction for the painting. 

As a result, the painting returned to public display at The Lowry last November and will be touring its way across galleries in the north west so it can be enjoyed by audiences across the region.

It will now hang in Gallery Oldham throughout the festive period, from December 2 to February 24 next year.

Lowry's work shot to iconic status after being loved by visitors of all ages and backgrounds, including those who adore art, love football and appreciate this quintessentially Northern experience.

The painting did go on display at Bolton Museum in March this year and will be making its way through Blackpool, Birkenhead and Bury throughout 2024.

Chief Executive of The Lowry, Julia Fawcett O.B.E. said: “Going to the Match is a masterpiece and for that reason alone, it was important we were able to secure it so that future generations could come and see it, for free, forever.

“Lowry was a great observer of ordinary people, particularly in the industrial landscape and the picture captures that pre-match expectation and excitement.

"It was so important to us that an artwork which speaks so directly to the people of the North was brought permanently back to where it belongs.

"Thanks to the wonderful generosity of The Law Family Charitable Foundation we were able to purchase the painting for the City of Salford, and we look forward to returning that generosity by sharing the painting with other venues and communities across the North West of England over the coming months and years.”

Councillor Peter Dean, cabinet member for communities and culture, also said he was "delighted" to hear the news of the painting coming to the gallery.

Cllr Dean added: “Lowry was a frequent visitor to Oldham and images of the borough feature in his works.

"To get one of his most famous paintings loaned to us is a real honour.

“I hope that as many people as possible take this opportunity to see this important artwork.”

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.