Arthur Delaney (1927–1987) was a British painter known for his nostalgic depictions of industrial Manchester scenes. Born and raised in Manchester, Delaney was inspired by the city’s factories, streets, and working-class life. His paintings often feature bustling figures, trams, smoky skylines and gas lamps , capturing the spirit of the city during his youth. For the majority of his adult life he worked in a textile design firm in Manchester and he painted to relax. Delaney regarded L.S.Lowry as his mentor and while he had a major influence on his work he developed his own distinctive style. Delaney is considered as one of the finest contemporary realists.

Arthur Delaney’s style and paintings are characterised by a blend of realism and a touch of naivety, known for his warm sepia palettes and accurate reflections of Manchester life. His paintings often feature industrial landscapes filled with workers, trams, and factories under hazy, smoky skies. Delaney’s brushwork is delicate, with a careful focus on atmosphere and the spirit of the scene. While comparisons to L.S. Lowry are often made, Delaney’s paintings are warmer and less stylised, offering a more nostalgic view of Manchester’s working-class life.

Arthur Delaney drew his inspiration from the industrial landscapes of Manchester where he grew up. His paintings often depict busy streets lined with factories, mills, terraced houses, and trams, filled with small figures going about their daily lives. Delaney was interested in capturing the atmosphere and character of a city shaped by industry. Memories of his childhood, including the sights, sounds, and everyday rhythms of working-class life, fuelled much of his work. His paintings preserve a way of life that has largely disappeared, offering a fond look back at a different time.

Arthur Delaney was strongly influenced by the paintings of L.S. Lowry, whose depictions of industrial northern England showed that everyday urban life could be a subject for serious art. Delaney admired Lowry’s ability to capture the atmosphere of the working city and adopted a similar focus on industrial scenes and busy street life. However, while Lowry’s style was more stylised and sometimes melancholic, Delaney’s work leaned toward a warmer, more nostalgic portrayal. His paintings celebrate the energy and community spirit of Manchester’s past rather than focusing on its hardships.

Arthur Delaney’s work has been widely exhibited in galleries across the UK, particularly in the north of England. In April 1974 he had a very successful one-man show at the Tib Lane Gallery in Manchester, with all the pictures selling within half and hour at the preview. His paintings continued to sell well during his lifetime and he exhibited at the Royal Academy. After his death in 1987, interest in his work continued to grow, with many of his pieces entering private collections. Today, Delaney’s paintings are valued for their affectionate portrayal of a lost industrial landscape, and his work remains popular for celebrating British urban art.

Arthur Delaney’s legacy is warmly regarded, particularly among those who appreciate depictions of Britain’s industrial heritage. His paintings offer a nostalgic, human view of Manchester’s working-class life during the 1930's. While often compared to L.S. Lowry, Delaney is recognised for his own unique approach, capturing the warmth, community, and character of the city’s streets. Collectors continue to seek out his work for its honest, affectionate portrayal of a lost era. Today, his paintings stand as a valuable record of Manchester’s industrial past, seen through the eyes of someone who lived it.