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Lot Essay
Painted in 1960, the present work is similar in composition to Lowry's earlier work, The Steps, Irk Place, 1928. In both, houses at either side frame the composition, figures are portrayed in the foreground and steps lead up to a view of a distant church in the background.
The lamp-post which stands at the top of the steps in this painting is a recurring motif in Lowry's work. It is sometimes seen as a lonely image and often painted a single lamp-post in the centre of the composition, as in the present work. Andras Kalman recalls, 'When, in later life, Lowry was asked his advice by young artists, he was fond of saying: 'No need to go to London to become a famous painter. You won't find better lamp-posts there'' (see A. Kalman, L S Lowry Conversation Pieces, London, 2003, p. 122).
The lamp-post which stands at the top of the steps in this painting is a recurring motif in Lowry's work. It is sometimes seen as a lonely image and often painted a single lamp-post in the centre of the composition, as in the present work. Andras Kalman recalls, 'When, in later life, Lowry was asked his advice by young artists, he was fond of saying: 'No need to go to London to become a famous painter. You won't find better lamp-posts there'' (see A. Kalman, L S Lowry Conversation Pieces, London, 2003, p. 122).