LS Lowry Art Featuring Cumbrian Scenes Exceeds £100,000 at Auction

Artworks by LS Lowry portraying Cumbrian landscapes were sold at auction, generating tens of thousands of pounds. Eight of his pieces were offered at Mitchells Auctions in Cockermouth, alongside two other Lake District paintings described as “extraordinary.” According to the auction house, seven of the Lowry pieces were individually sold, collectively reaching £117,200. James Moore, representing Mitchells, characterized the event as “an absolute belter.” Additionally, a substantial painting by Julian Cooper depicting Scafell Crag achieved £7,000, and a canvas by Bill Peascod fetched £5,000. Lowry, who passed away in 1976, is recognized for portraying working-class existence in the industrial regions of northern England. His oil painting illustrating Sir John Barrow’s monument on Hoad Hill, Ulverston, referred to as “the lonely landscape,” was acquired for £43,000 on Thursday. Furthermore, his pencil drawing from 1960, titled Maryport – The Estuary, concluded at £37,000. Mr. Moore commented, “We’re really pleased. As an auctioneer you always want them to go for more, but it’s the best sale we’ve had this year.” He added, “We’ve had quite a few local Lowrys come on the market. It’s nice as everyone likes art with a good local story, especially with Lowry’s reputation.” The painting Scafell Crag by Cooper was initially revealed by Tony Blair during the inauguration of the Rheged Discovery Centre, located near Penrith, in 2001. This monumental artwork, measuring 13ft (3.9m) in height and 10ft (3m) in width, was commissioned by the Mountain Heritage Trust (MHT) in 2000 and commemorates mountaineering and the Lake District’s significance in the origins of rock climbing. It remained displayed in Rheged’s entrance atrium for two decades prior to its relocation to the Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere. The MHT sold this piece, alongside Peascod’s signed 1983 painting of Birkness Combe, near Haweswater, with the aim of generating funds. “Both are extraordinary bits of work,” stated Mr. Moore. He continued, “Scafell Crag is the biggest piece we’ve ever had in our hall. “When we went to collect it we couldn’t get it in our van and had to get a contractor to transfer it.” He described it as “absolutely colossal, but every time I walk past it I notice something else about it. “I would love to own it – if it fitted in our house.” Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.