With next year marking the 50th Anniversary of L.S Lowry's death, the interest in his works, both oil and on paper, has started to reflect in the strength of his prices at auction.
The recent Christie's evening and day sales saw some strong prices realised at a time when the economy is far from at its best. The drawings saw a circa 1938 picture titled "Steps", estimated at £80,000 - £120,000, realise £ 171,450. While a smaller drawing, titled "Penshaw", achieved £44,450 against the estimate of £15,000 - £20,000.
The oil paintings also proved to have some strong bids, with a lovely 1947 depiction of Bourton-on-the-Water estimated at £400,000 - £ 600,000, realising £965,200. Whilst the " Portrait of a Girl", oil on panel, (Signed and dated 1935), from the Estate of Anouk Aimée and Albert Finney, realised £127,000 against an estimate of £40,000 - £60,000.
Amongst other Auction houses, sales have been equally impressive. A stunning seascape oil painted in 1966 came up for sale at Bonhams this month, with an estimate of £150,000 - £200,000, and sold for £571,900 inc premium.
It is noteworthy that each of these stunning works of art was supported by superb provenance, which is paramount with any purchase of this nature. Lowry's unique ability to capture the rhythm of industrial Britain resonates deeply with a global audience, making his paintings highly liquid assets within the Modern British category. The consistent appearance of his works in Christie's and Sotheby's evening sales - often commanding prices from several hundred thousand pounds to the multi-million levels - validates his position among the most coveted 20th-century British artists.
Overall, the October and November 2025 auction results show that Lowry's market is resilient, upwardly mobile and sustained by international interest. Buyers can take confidence that top-quality Lowry paintings and works on paper continue to perform impressively at auction, reinforcing their status as a cornerstone of the Modern British art market.
