Although Suffolk is a far cry from the industrial scenes depicted in the paintings of famous 20th Century artist L.S. Lowry, a streetscape in the west of the county is being given the “Lowry” treatment by a group of local school children.

Glemsford Library commissioned local artist David Gilbert to paint a view of the village street where the library stands based on the style of Lowry, who was well known for his urban scenes featuring figures often referred to as “matchstick men”. The artist’s work was the inspiration behind the 1978 number one hit song Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs.

Mr Gilbert’s artwork will act as a backdrop and at a series of Sunday workshops throughout November children will create their own two and four-legged figures to add to the scene.

Families can make their figures – which can be people or animals – at home, and bring them in during opening hours, or they can make them at library craft sessions on Sundays, between 11.30am and 2pm.

Glemsford Library manager Sue Tolley said: “We were inspired by visiting the Lowry exhibition earlier this year and decided to work with local children to help create our own Glemsford street scene.”

Also on show at the library is a display of books about Glemsford and children are being invited to take part in a competition to draw and colour pictures of their own homes or favourite buildings.