Are Lowry Prints Valuable?

Like the work of many of the 20^th Century’s finest painters, signed original paintings of Laurence Stephen Lowry are incredibly valuable. However, so too are Lowry prints, which have seen their value increase significantly over the past 20 years. The average price of a Lowry print in 1999 was £500. Compare that to the average price of £4,000 now, and it is clear to see that Lowry is becoming more popular with time.

Appointed Official Artist for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, Lowry is most known for his paintings that depict industrial scenes of workers and city folk. Read on for a guide to buying and selling Lowry prints…

_{Laurence Stephen Lowry (1887-1976) British, 'A Village Square'. Sold at Dawsons for £1,500.}

One of the most important factors in the increase in value of an artist’s work is time. As time passes, and providing an artist’s popularity rises, so their work can increase in value exponentially. This remains the case after the artist dies – with the work now not only being a beautiful piece of art that can never be produced again (by that same artist), but also a piece of history, reflecting a period of time that buyers and collectors did not experience themselves. This is an especially relevant point for Lowry, as his work is so heavily focussed on the lives of normal people, with him regularly depicting them going about their daily lives.

Also important for the increase in price of Lowry’s work are his many features in major exhibitions over the last 20 years, such as the Tate’s exhibition in 2013; Lowry and the Painting of Modern Life. Seeing that an artist is recognised and appreciated enough to have a major exhibition at an internationally renowned gallery such as the Tate is great for buyer security, as it suggests that if they were to buy a painting or print of Lowry, it would likely retain its value or even increase in value, if held onto for long enough. It is also wholly satisfying and pleasing to know that works of art by Lowry - similar perhaps, to those which you might have on display in your own home – are valued and respected enough to be displayed in such a prestigious gallery.

What makes a Lowry print valuable?

Like all works of art, there are many factors that contribute to the price of a Lowry print. Its condition and rarity are important to consider, as whilst prints that are in great condition are sure to fetch a decent price, prints that were released in very small quantity are valued higher due to rarity. Also important are recent sale prices. If a print sells for significantly over the estimate, then chances are other editions of the same print will follow suit.

When it comes to Lowry prints though, there are a certain set of criteria that must be considered alongside these factors. As Lowry paintings depict everyday life, his popular works are often so sought after, due to people being able to recognise the scenes from their own life. It is for this reason that Going To The Match (which depicts people going to a football match), set the record sale price of a Lowry print achieved at auction (to date), when selling for £25,000 in February 2020.

Edition number and history should also be considered when it comes to Lowry paintings, with the lower edition numbers tending to fetch higher fees due to their relative rarity.

_{Laurence Stephen Lowry (1887-1976) British, 'A Street Full of People'. Sold at Dawsons for £3,200.}

How to go about selling your Lowry print

As should be the case with any items of value (antiques, art, jewellery, or collectables) you may be thinking of selling, it is important that you do your research on where you are going to sell a Lowry print, as losing out on the true value of that print could be extremely upsetting.

Auctions are an excellent route to go down when it comes to achieving the best price in respect of any Lowry works of art, as (if selling via a reputable Auction House) you will have access to their marketing team and a huge global audience of known prospective buyers – which means that you are more likely to achieve a far higher price at auction. Whilst, selling directly to any prospective vendor can make the process difficult when it comes to establishing common ground for the value of a print.

If you have come to the decision to sell your Lowry print(s), Dawsons’ specialist team can provide a thorough and professional appraisal with no obligation to sell.

You can even have a valuation from the comfort of your own home via our online valuation service. Simply submit several photographs and some information relating to the provenance of your pottery using our online form, and get started with a free auction estimate.

_{Laurence Stephen Lowry (1887-1976) British, 'The Three Cats, Alstow'. Sold at Dawsons for £6,400.}

Our valuations are complimentary, costing you absolutely nothing!

We analyse all submissions and if we feel we can sell your item, we will be happy to provide an auction estimate. Please click here to view some of the wonderful Lowry prints that have been sold by the team here at Dawsons.

The expert team of Valuers at Dawsons would be happy to help you identify your Lowry prints, or maybe you have some prints you would like to sell at auction.

Please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you:

0207 431 9445  /  info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk.