Forgotten Lowry drawings go to auction

The pencil drawings, not seen in public since the 1970s, were re-discovered by a Huddersfield woman whose father had bought various prints and originals about 40 years ago.

They are expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds when they go to auction next month.

Leeds auctioneer Gary Don described the drawings as important works which showcase the breadth of Lowry’s talent.

The first is thought to have been drawn in 1942 and depicts a scene from a polling station, with faceless figures casting their vote, whilst others wait to do the same in the background.

The second was created by Lowry in 1960 during his retirement and depicts a beach scene at Sandsend, near Whitby, peopled with his signature “matchstick men” with the former railway bridge in the background.

The beach scene was once shown at the famous Lefevre Gallery in London which closed in 2002.

Both works have remained with the same family for decades, with the current owner not realising their heritage or potential value until a relative suggested they get them valued.

Gary Don said: “The moment I saw both drawings my heart skipped a beat.

“I probably get offered around six supposed Lowry’s every other week, all of which we’ve identified as being prints or fakes, so to finally have two come along and have them verified by experts as being the real deal is something else.

“These two are both very special in their own different ways, and particularly collectable for the fact that they haven’t been seen in public for over forty years and never been up for auction before.”

The drawings are attracting interest from Europe and the US.

Details of the May 24 auction are online at www.garydon.co.uk.