Laurence Stephen Lowry is best known for his distinctive matchstick men and industrial townscapes. In 2022 a new record was set for his original oil paintings when the iconic ‘Going To The Match’ raised just over £7.8 million (£6.6 plus buyers premium).
The rising prices for Lowry’s originals has had a positive impact on the value of his signed, limited edition prints, which can go for anything from £1,000 up to £31,000. The value of each print varies depending on the style and subject matter, however the condition of the print is also a significant factor in the eventual realised value of each print.
Why is condition important?
It is important to realise that when these limited edition prints were produced Lowry was not a particularly commercial artist. The prints were relatively cheap and as such, specialist glass, glue and mounts were often not used. This means Lowry prints are prone to issues such as foxing, paper discolouration and fading. This is on top of other issues that can occur with privately owned art, such as scratches from broken glass.
These condition issues all impact the value that a print can achieve through auction or private sale. Poor condition can mean the difference between achieving the bottom and the top of a value range.
When to Consider Restoration?
A professional restoration can add thousands of pounds to the value of your print for only a few hundred pounds. However, public facing restorers can charge significant sums for their services, which often discourages private owners from getting their prints restored.
What Mark Littler Can Do For Your Print
Mark Littler Ltd work within the a trade to get your print professionally restored at a fraction of the price of going direct.
We will do a full inspection on each print sold through us and advise you on whether we feel restoration will aid you in getting the best price.
If your print would benefit from work we will provide you with a quote for the work, including transport to and from the restorer, as well as an estimated value of the piece as-is and with restoration so that you can make an informed decision.
What does it cost?
Each restoration is unique and the cost will be based on the print’s specific issues and size. Most prints can be returned to very high quality for around £200 – £500 although very large or very heavily damaged prints may be more than this. This cost doesn’t include re-framing where that may be necessary.
Selling a Lowry Print through Mark Littler Ltd
Submit your print for valuation using our online form, or send a picture to [email protected]
- Receive a valuation and, if relevant, an offer
- If you choose to accept an offer we will work with you to coordinate getting your print to our office in Congleton
- Each print will be inspected and if we think they would benefit from a professional restoration we will discuss this with you, including costs and potential impacts to value.
- Where necessary we will deliver and collect your print from the restorer
- We then arrange to meet with the buyer for their final inspection
- Payment is made via bank transfer
Valuations are free. If you accept an offer to sell privately through us we charge 12% (10% +VAT), restoration and transport are not included in that fee.