Laurence Stephen Lowry R.A. - "Old House"

Stock Code: 2253 - SOLD

Description: An old house stands amongst a busy throng of people with a backdrop of the city of Manchester, artistically observed at the whilst at the pinnacle of his career by Britain's greatest 20th century artist - L.S. Lowry.

Further Information: Born in Rusholme, Manchester in November 1887, L.S. Lowry is unquestionably the most celebrated of British artists. His unique contribution to recording the period, culture and landscape of the industrial north is without parallel. His work is a most distinctive and comprehensive record of the pre and post World War II northern industrial town. Many people associate Lowry with "Matchstick men" which became virtually his trademark, but he also produced a large number of empty landscapes and seascapes which are now recognised as masterpieces in their own right. Later in his life he concentrated on producing paintings of figures either singly or in groups, invariably against a white background.

When "Old House" was drawn, Lowry was at the peak of his considerable talent, he had emerged from his "melancholy" period after the death of his mother, the war years were starting to fade from memory and he was just establishing himself in "The Elms" in Mottram in Longdale. He said "Most of my land and townscape is composite. Made up; part real and part imaginary [...] bits and pieces of my home locality. I don't even know I'm putting them in. They just crop up on their own, like things do in dreams." This drawing epitomises all the very best in a classic work of art by Lowry, a truly fabulous work of art.

Condition: Excellent. No known restorations. Recently re-framed in a ribbed giltwood frame with gold tooled slip under museum glass.

Country of Origin: England

Artist & Painting: Laurence Stephen Lowry R.A., British (1887-1976) "Old House", pencil on paper, signed and dated 1950.

Provenance: Originally sold by Lefevre Gallery (Lowry's London agent), bought by Vera Dalley Lederman, a private collector in London.

Signed: L S Lowry and dated 1950 (lower right). Inscribed on back of drawing in artists own hand "Old House". With Lefevre stock number.

Dimensions of Canvas: Height 9.75 inches (24.76cm) Width 13.50 inches (34.29cm)

Price: £99,000