Titled 'Going to Work, LS Lowry's painting depicts the Mather and Platt engineering plant in Newton Heath, with staff streaming in for a shift.
James Blower went to work there for 25 years off and on, between 1953 - ten years after Lowry painted it - and 1978.
His family remember his stories about the steel fabrication and welding work he did for the firm, and the other jobs he did for them that made other workers safer like fitting sprinkler systems in factories.
It means the thought that that work might have been killing him, gradually, is difficult for them to come to terms with.
James, from Oldham, started to suffer breathlessness in early 2019, and died just four days after receiving a diagnosis, at the age of 81.
This story is from the January 23, 2022 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 23, 2022 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rotation key as fixture pile-up won't leave Ru in a spin at Reds
RUBEN Amorim says United's stacked schedule is 'no excuse' as he seeks a first Premier League win in charge against Everton.
Midfielder makes Case for new boss as players excited’
MIDFIELD enforcer Casemiro has said all of United's players are 'excited' by the recent appointment of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Market forces at workas Toffees stick with Jarrad
EVERTON manager Sean Dyche has explained why the club blocked United from signing Jarrad Branthwaite last summer.
LIVERPOOL RISE IS 'NO SURPRISE'
CITY forward Phil Foden has not been surprised by Liverpool's emergence as title rivals this season but believes they have benefited from being under less scrutiny.
Sale boss looking for Sharks to bite!
WITH Sale Sharks lingering in eighth in the Gallagher Premiership, Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson has pulled no punches in getting the Sharks' 'bite back' for today's game against Leicester Tigers.
Sport report calls for North funding
\"IT is probably legitimate for Northerners to claim that the North is the spiritual home of British sport,\" says the foreword of a new report launched in Parliament this week.
Beating art of the city is honoured
Awards night celebrates our leading cultural lights
Buying ahome more affordable
OVER the last year, buying a home has become slightly more affordable in comparison to the average income - says Halifax.
Thousands back hospital rebuild
THOUSANDS of people have signed a petition calling for the urgent rebuild of a Manchester hospital.
Chance to live on 'hidden gem
A RARE opportunity has come up to live on an iconic Manchester street that has been named one of the UK's top hidden gems.
