Laurence Stephen Lowry, R.A.

Lefevre Gallery, London
Sale, Sotheby's, London, 11th November 1981, lot 351

The sheet is laid down. The reason for this is not clear as the work appears to be in lovely original condition, sound and stable throughout. The work is beautifully fresh and clean, showing no signs of recent deterioration. Presented mounted and glazed in a plain black wooden frame, the work could possibly benefit from more sympathetic presentation.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Lowry painted very few watercolours during his career, finding the medium dried too rapidly to allow the re-working that he employed so successfully in his drawings.  He seems to have experimented more frequently with them in the late 1950s, mostly portraying his familiar groups of people, as the current work shows. However, by using a more limited palette than usual Lowry here manages to capture the movement and character that one associates with the main body of his work.