LEGENDARY rock cartoonist Ray Lowry was found dead at his Rossendale home yesterday morning.

And, as a lasting tribute, the art gallery currently running his first exhibition in 30 years has vowed to showcase his work as a permanent feature.

Mr Lowry, 64, was famous in the 1970s for his cartoons in the New Musical Express and Punch magazine.

Born in Manchester into the rock and roll era, Ray befriended The Clash, whom he met at the Sex Pistols’ infamous Anarchy tour at the Electric Circus, Manchester.

He went on to accompany the band on their 1979 tour of the USA and created the artwork for the Clash’s London Calling album sleeve.

Examples of his work have been snapped up and admired by collectors and celebrities, including the late John Peel, Damien Hirst, Jon Square, Patti Smith, Phil Jupitus, and Don Letts.

But in recent years Ray painted simply for pleas-ure. It is this wide selection, from his latter years, that is currently being showcased, alongside his earlier car-toons, at See Gallery, in Crawshawbooth.

It was his first-ever personal exhibition. Julian Williams, who runs the gallery in Binns Street, said the exhibition would continue. He said: “We will take control of Ray’s work and keep it on display in his memory. The exhibition is not only the first, but now it is the only one, which makes it even more special.

“Funeral arrangements are being made and we are in touch with his family to help them all we can.”

A post mortem examination is due to be carried out and a funeral is set to be held next week. He leaves a son.