COVENTRY.- One of The Herbert’s most important paintings has returned to Coventry to take its place at centre stage in the refurbished art gallery.

An oil-on-canvas painting by nationally-renowned artist, LS Lowry, is one of The Herbert’s most prized pieces, but had to be removed when the art gallery started its £20 million refurbishment and extension in 2005.

For nearly four years, the painting known as Ebbw Vale has been on loan to The Lowry art gallery in Salford Quays, Manchester, but has now returned to Coventry once again to be admired by visitors.

Lowry, born in Lancashire in 1887, was well-known for painting scenes of life in the industrial districts of northern England during the early 20th Century, and for the human figures in his work which are often referred to as matchstick men.

This piece, which was painted 48 years ago, was one of Lowry’s more unusual works due to its larger size than his other famous paintings.

Ron Clarke, keeper of visual arts at The Herbert, said: “It’s fantastic to have the Lowry painting back at The Herbert.

“Because of the refurbishment we had to move the artwork to somewhere safe while the work was carried out.

“Unlike some of our paintings which went into storage, the Lowry went on loan to The Lowry art gallery in Manchester, which was great because it meant people could still see the painting and admire it amongst other famous Lowry works.

“Many of the paintings that were in storage at The Herbert while the refurbishment was carried out, have now been re-hung in the galleries and look great – we are really looking forward to re-opening them to the public so everyone can appreciate the Lowry and of course, all of the other fantastic paintings on display.”

The Herbert’s refurbishment and extension at the heart of Coventry city centre in Jordan Well will be completed in 2008, and the Lowry painting will be on view in the Art since 1900 gallery from November.

A number of exhibition galleries, a history centre, visual arts, natural history and history exhibitions, and a studio space for performance and events, will open in the autumn in the new extension.

For more information about The Herbert visit www.theherbert.org or telephone 024 7683 2386.