Lowry's paintings inspired the UK number one hit single "Matchstick Men and Matchstick Cats and Dogs" (1978) written by Michael Coleman and performed by Coleman and Kevin Parrott (as Brian and Michael).
Because Lowry declined an OBE (in 1955), a CBE (in 1961), a knighthood (in 1968) and appointment as a Companion of Honour (in 1972 and 1976), he holds a record for the largest number of British honors declined.