A historical piece of artwork by 20th Century artist LS Lowry bought for just 84 shillings is expected to fetch £100,000 at auction later this year.
Experts predict that Lowry’s famous 1935 sketch, A Footbridge, could fetch a six-figure sum when it goes under the hammer at Bonhams sale of Modern British and Irish art in London.
The pencil drawing was snapped up by Dame Mabel Tylecote in 1942 for the princely sum of four guineas – equivalent of 84 shillings or £4.20 – and has already caused a stir among art dealers.
The auction also includes a significant piece of work, titled Six Standing Figures, by sculptor and artist Henry Moore.
Signed and dated in 1950, the pencil, wax crayon, watercolour, and gouache picture is expected to be sold for between £120,000 and £180,000.
Matthew Bradbury, director of Modern British and Irish Art, said: “We only recently announced the auction so there is a great deal excitement for these two stunning pieces.
SIGNIFICANT: Henry Moore’s Six Standing Figures
“The estimates highlight how impressive these works are and as we saw with a previous piece from Lowry at the Tate Britain gallery, they can sell for significantly more than first thought.
“Lowry’s work was very well received at the Tate and the Footbridge piece is no doubt among his finest work.
“It is the joint highest estimate for a Lowry piece, highlighting how highly we regard the piece.
“Both the Lowry and Moore pieces have great potential so we’re all eagerly awaiting to see what happens on the day of the auction.”
Moore was one of the world’s most successful living artists at auction, with his eight-foot bronze Reclining Figure: Festival selling for a record £19.1 million in 2012.
Story and pictures courtesy of Mercury Press and Media
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