10th Mar, 2022 11:00

Northern Art - Live Online

 
  Lot 89
 

89

§ L.S. Lowry R.A. (British 1887-1976)
"The Old Handball Court, Nelson, Glamorgan"

Signed, titled and dated 6 Nov 1961, pencil drawing on a paper napkin.

Dimensions: 16cm x 15.5cm (6.25in x 6in)

The drawing was given as a gift to the vendor's father from the artist Percy Warburton who was Head of Bury School of Art and a close friend to L.S. Lowry. Through friendship with Mr Warburton, Lowry became actively involved with the Bury Art Society and became its second President. L.S. Lowry would often call to visit Percy Warburton socially and on these occasions would use the bus stop directly in front of the vendor’s then family home in Holcombe Brook. He can recall Lowry calling in to speak with his father and admire a painting they owned by James McIntosh Patrick. Lowry's trips to Wales in the 60's with Monty Bloom are well documented and an exhibition of the Welsh Lowry's was held in The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea in 2002. It was businessman Monty Bloom, born in Ebbw Vale, who introduced Lowry to the Valleys of South Wales in the 1960's. Bloom recognised the appeal the grim contrast of spoil hills side by side with real mountains would have on the artist. Aged 77, Lowry embarked on a new era of painting inspired by the Welsh scenery, and began working in a new, intuitive and experimental way. Together, Lowry and Bloom made visits to the area every six months or so and it is thought that this sketch may have been made upon his return from such a trip. It certainly seems to correspond to the dateline of the early 1960’s and one can well imagine Lowry drawing this whilst in discussions with Percy Warburton and noting the exact location where he had seen the rather unusual free-standing Handball Court in Nelson. As was his want he has then added his familiar figures and passed the sketch to his friend as a gift. Percy Warburton was known to have several drawings and paintings given to him by Lowry and many have been sold over the years at major London salerooms.

Artists' Resale Right ("droit de suite") may apply to this lot.

This is a 'live online' auction - you can bid from the comfort of your own home using our free live bidding service.  Condition reports and additional condition report images can be requested and seen in the 'Condition Report' tab below if present.

Sold for £3,000


 

Auction: Northern Art - Live Online, 10th Mar, 2022

This sale features a stunning selection of artworks by many of the great Northern artists to include work by Helen Bradley, L.S. Lowry, Geoffrey Key, William Turner, Trevor Grimshaw, Reg Gardner, James Lawrence Isherwood, Donald McIntyre and many others.

For a free auction valuation, or any enquiries related to this sale contact Stephen Sparrow via stephen.sparrow@wilson55.com.

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