1960 - The Fairground

The Fairground 1960

Pencil

14 x 20 cm

Sold [November 2008] for £4,320 including premium

Initialled and Dated '60 by Lowry, and Signed and Dated '60 by Harold Riley

We understand that the scene here depicted shows a travelling fair at Mottram in Longdendale, and this drawing was originally owned by one of the showmen. Lowry painted and drew the local travelling fairs on a number of occasions in the 1950's and 60's.

Harold Riley was, in many ways, a protege of Lowry's. Riley returned to Manchester in 1960 following his studies at The Slade School, and they met regularly and worked together as Riley was establishing his career as a professional painter. They frequently drew the same motif and swapped drawings prior to completion each artist contributing to the other's work. The drawing here is one of these collaborations.

Harold Riley has written an account of one such day - Riley (Harold) - L. S. Lowry, An account of a day spent with L. S. Lowry, (Salford, 1987).