LAURENCE STEPHEN LOWRY, R.A. | Figure Study with Dogs

Gifted by the Artist to Percy Warburton, and thence by descent to the present owner

Salford, The Lowry, short-term loan, February 2017 - August 2018.

Unexamined out of frame. There is some slight undulation to the sheet in places, in keeping with the materials. The sheet is secured to the mount with four adhesive strips at the upper and lower edges, but not laid down. There is some slight rounding at each of the corners, and there is a very slight loss and crease at the extreme upper left corner. There is a small accretion on the left-hand figure's shoulders. There is some slight fading to the sheet. This excepting the work appears to be in excellent overall condition, with strong vivid colours throughout. The work is window mounted and held behind glass in a simple wooden frame. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

A tutor of Lowry’s at Salford School of Art, Percy Warburton struck up a close friendship with his student that lasted until Warburton’s death in 1969. Lowry liked him as a tutor ‘because he let me get on with it’, and the artist became a regular visitor to the Warburtons’ home in Holcombe Brook, near Bury, on one occasion borrowing a box of watercolours from Percy’s daughter to try them out. Warburton later became Head of The School of Art in Bury, and persuaded Lowry to become President of The Bury Art Society.