Ray Lowry
11 catalogued objects connected to Ray Lowry.
Biography
Person.
Ray Lowry (1944–2008) was a British cartoonist and illustrator whose loose ink drawing moved between satire, magazine culture and the visual language of rock music. Born near Manchester, he worked in advertising before becoming a professional cartoonist in 1969. His drawings appeared in publications including Punch, Private Eye, The Guardian and The Observer, using an economical, restless line rather than a polished illustrative finish.
Lowry also helped create one of rock’s most recognisable record sleeves: The Clash’s London Calling (1979). His pink and green lettering framed Pennie Smith’s photograph of Paul Simonon smashing his bass, bringing graphic design and the energy of live performance together. His presence in early issues of The Face connects that record-cover work with the drawings and visual commentary circulating through Britain’s music and style press.
Reviewed 2026-09-05Selected sources
- University of Kent, British Cartoon Archive — Raymond (Ray) LowryLife dates, Manchester background, advertising work, professional cartooning from 1969, publications and ink-and-wash drawing style.
- The Photographers’ Gallery — The Clash: London CallingLowry’s lettering, Pennie Smith’s photograph and Paul Simonon’s bass-smashing image on the 1979 London Calling cover.
PER-825B31460A41AF78
Represented across objects dated 1980–1983.
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