SEVERAL artworks by L.S. Lowry and a private collection of coins worth over £100,000 are just some of the highlights among 1,650 lots to be sold in Cockermouth-based Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale from November 27 to 29.  

The most valuable lots in the sale will be several artworks by Laurence Stephen Lowry R.A. (1887-1976) consigned for sale by the family of Graeme Bentham, a contemporary artist and close friend of Lowry.  Bentham, who grew up and worked in Ashton-under-Lyne, began exploring drawing and painting in the late 1940s, during which time he learned significantly from Lowry. 

The Lowry painting depicts a Cumbrian coastal scene, probably Sir John Barrow`s Monument on Hoad Hill, Ulverston.The Lowry painting depicts a Cumbrian coastal scene, probably Sir John Barrow`s Monument on Hoad Hill, Ulverston. (Image: Mitchell's) The artist gifted Bentham several artworks including an oil on board reminiscent of Lowry’s ‘lonely landscapes’.  Depicting a Cumbrian coastal scene, probably Sir John Barrow`s Monument on Hoad Hill, Ulverston, and measuring 31cm x 39cm, the painting is framed, signed and dated 1961 and has an estimate of £25,000-£40,000.  

A pencil drawing of a typical characteristic Lowry street scene with church spire, back to back figures and cat and dogs measuring 38cm x 28cm, framed, signed and dated 1960 has an estimate of £10,000-£20,000.

A pencil drawing of a typical characteristic Lowry street scene with church spireA pencil drawing of a typical characteristic Lowry street scene with church spire (Image: Supplied)

A pencil head and shoulders portrait of a gentleman with moustache measuring 37cm x 27cm, framed signed and dated 1960, is expected to sell for £3,000-£5,000.
 
From another vendor is a pencil drawing by Lowry titled ‘Maryport – The Estuary’ with an estimate of £25,000-£35,000.  Signed and dated 1960 and measuring 36cm x 25cm, the drawing was previously sold at Sotheby’s in 1998, then Richard Green Bond Street in London and Castlegate House Gallery in Cockermouth.  

A pencil drawing by Lowry titled ‘Maryport – The Estuary’ with an estimate of £25,000-£35,000A pencil drawing by Lowry titled ‘Maryport – The Estuary’ with an estimate of £25,000-£35,000 (Image: Supplied) Mitchells Head of Antiques & Fine Art James Moore explained “A Lowry painting of Senhouse Street in Maryport sold for over £800,000 in London in October and the pencil sketch at Mitchells is a fantastic example of Lowry’s work and a very recognisable view of Maryport too which bodes very well for the sale.”

The most important section in the sale is a private single owner collection of 233 lots of gold and silver coins belonging to a retired doctor from the South Lakes who has avidly collected coins over many years. 

The entire collection is expected to realise a total in excess of £100,000 with estimates ranging from £50-£10,000.

Highlights include a Golden Jubilee Monarchs 22ct gold five coin set from East Caribbean States, limited to 100 sets, each coin weighing 39.94 grams, which is expected to make £7,000-£10,000. 

A Golden Jubilee 22ct gold proof set 0626 comprising £5, £2, £1, 50 pence, 20 pence, 10 pence, 5 pence, 2 pence, 1 pence and Maundy Money from 4 pence to 1 pence has an estimate of £6,000-£8,000.  The collection also includes over 150 sovereigns and half sovereigns dating from 1813, many being proof coins.

. A Golden Jubilee 22ct gold proof set 0626 . A Golden Jubilee 22ct gold proof set 0626 (Image: Supplied)

Also featured in a very strong picture section in this sale is a large oil on canvas painting of Scafell Crag by the renowned mountain artist Julian Cooper (b.1947) which used to hang in the atrium at Rheged Discovery Centre.

Measuring 4 metres high and 3 metres wide, the painting has been given an estimate of £10,000-£15,000 with proceeds going to The Mountain Heritage Trust along with proceeds from a painting of Birkness Combe by the climber and artist Bill Peascod (1920-1985) with an estimate of £5,000-£8,000. 

The sale also features artworks by Percy Kelly (1918-1993) including a watercolour illustrated letter depicting a vintage car with an estimate of £700-£1,000 and a pen, ink and watercolour wash sketch of a bridge estimated at £400-£600.    Other local artists featured in the sale include Sheila Fell, Albert Rosser, Edward Horace Thompson, June Bennett, Len Roope, Mathew Ellis Nutter and William Henry Nutter.
 
Just in time for Christmas, the sale also features a good selection of 150 lots of gold silver and diamond jewellery.  The most valuable is an 18ct white gold diamond set tennis bracelet containing 9.6 carats of natural diamonds with an estimate of £10,000-£15,000. 

An 18ct gold two tone gold ring set with a natural radiant cut diamond and diamond set shoulders and weighing 2.5 carats should make £4,000-£5,000. A 9ct gold chain bracelet with three sovereigns is valued at £1,300-£1,500.

The Lowry artworks will be sold on the second day of Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale on Thursday 28th November.  Day one of the sale on Wednesday 27th November will include Asian art, ceramics & glassware, the single owner collection of coins, jewellery, watches & pocket watches, silver & allied wares. 

Day two of the sale on Thursday, 28 will include paintings, drawings & prints, objects of art, collectors’ items, metalware and textiles.  Day three of the sale on Friday 29th November will include table boxes, wall clocks, barometers & mirrors, furniture, longcase clocks, dining tables and chairs.
 
Lots are on view in the Saleroom from Sunday, 24 11am to 3pm, Monday, 25 and Tuesday, 26 26 10am to 5pm and throughout each sale day.

A fully illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells from two weeks prior to the sale where buyers can also register to bid live during the sale or leave automatic bids in advance. 

Alternatively, those unable to attend the sale can arrange to bid by telephone or leave commission bids in advance by contacting the saleroom.