Laurence Stephen Lowry was an English artist born in Stretford, Lancashire. Many of his drawings and paintings depict Pendlebury, where he lived and worked for over 40 years, and Salford and its surrounding areas. Bonhams will offer his work called ‘Steps at Wick‘ at Modern British and Irish art on 20 November in London’s New Bond Street. It is estimated to sell for £500,000 to £800,000($770,000 to $1,250,000). On the oil on canvas is small fishing town of Wick at the northern end of Scotland in Caithness.
It is signed and dated by L.S. Lowry in 1937 and measures 43.2 x 53.3 cm. (17 x 21 in.). Lowry is famous for painting scenes of life in the industrial districts of North West England in the mid-20 century. He developed a distinctive style of painting and is best known for urban landscapes peopled with human figures often referred to as “matchstick men”. He also painted mysterious unpopulated landscapes, brooding portraits, and the unpublished “marionette” works, which were only found after his death. A large collection of Lowry’s work is on permanent public display in a purpose-built art gallery on Salford Quays named the Lowry. Lowry rejected five honours during his life, including a knighthood in 1968 and consequently holds the record for the most rejected British honours.
