Laurence Stephen Lowry ‘Clifford’s Tower, York’. York Museums Trust (York Art Gallery). Commissioned through the Evelyn Award, 1952, Presented 1953.

A collection of paintings will be crossing the Pennines for a special exhibition at the Harris Museum & Art Gallery.

Works by David Hockney, LS Lowry, Walter Sickert and Paul Nash will form more than 30 paintings coming to Preston on loan from the York Art Gallery.

Other works coming to the Harris include still lifes reflecting 300 years of art from 17th century Dutch landscapes to semi-abstract painting by Ben Nicholson.

Lowy’s Clifford’s Tower, Hockney’s Egyptian Head Disappearing into Descending Clouds, Nash’s Winter Sea and Walter Sickert’s The Piazette, Venice, will be on display.

Branded Masterstrokes the exhibition is free and has been sponsored by Conlon Construction who worked on the Discover Preston gallery at the Harris in 2012.

Councillor Tom Burns, cabinet member for leisure & culture at Preston City Council says: “York Art Gallery boasts a fantastic collection of works and we are delighted that the Harris has been chosen to host this exhibition – the only venue in the North West. It offers local people and visitors to the city a rare chance to see works from the last 500 years as well as some of the biggest names in 20th century art and we are particularly grateful for the support of Conlon.”

The paintings are being put into the Harris while the York gallery is having £8 million of refurbishment.

Michael Conlon, chairman of Conlon Construction, said: “Having worked on both York Art Gallery and the Harris Museum we are proud to sponsor and support this magnificent exhibition in the outstanding Grade I listed Harris galleries.”

Janet Barnes, chief executive of York Museums Trust, said: “We felt it was really important for works from York’s collection to be available for the public to enjoy while we are closed for development. It is fantastic that six galleries have agreed to host the exhibition and we hope that new audiences will enjoy seeing some of York Art Gallery’s finest works of art.”

The exhibition will open on Saturday 7 September and run until Saturday 30 November.

Alongside the exhibition will be an Artist’s Studio where adults and children can have a go at making their own work.

Events include:

Masterstrokes Tours
Thurs 12, 26 Sep and 17 Oct, 1pm – 1.40pm
Free – no need to book

Masterstrokes Curator Talk
Thurs 24 Oct 1pm–2pm
Free – booking essential on 01772 905414 or at www.eventbrite.co.uk
With Assistant Curator at York Art Gallery, Jennifer Alexander

Still Life Drawing Taster Session supported by an Audiodescriber (for adults)
Fri 15 Nov, 2.00 – 4.00pm
Booking essential on 01772 905414 or at www.eventbrite.co.uk

Family Events
Hands On at the Harris Masterstrokes Special (for ages 5-12)
Sat 26 Oct, 1.30 – 3.30pm, No need to book – just drop in

The Big Draw: Drawing Future, Drawing Past (for all ages)
Wed 30 Oct, 1.30 – 3.30pm, No need to book – just drop in