A rare LS Lowry painting titled "Lady in Waiting" is set to go up for auction in Oxfordshire, estimated to be worth around £150,000. The painting, which has been hidden away in a private

collection for decades, measures 7 inches by 10 inches and was last seen in public in 1978 at the Henry Donn Gallery in Manchester. The portrait depicts a leaning woman in a blue skirt and red jumper, staring blankly out of the frame.

Lowry is famous for his "matchstick men" and industrial landscapes, but "Lady in Waiting" is part of a series of oil on canvas paintings that he developed in the 1960s. The painting is a more personal and intimate piece in contrast to the populated scenes that brought him national fame. Auctioneer Paul Hayes has described the way Lowry captured the posture of the woman as "simply genius," suggesting that he must have seen her in a town and got the mannerism just right.

The painting was originally purchased by Henry Donn, a close friend and broker of Lowry's, for his private collection. Since then, it has remained in great condition and has been treasured by its subsequent owners, remaining relatively unknown to the public eye. Hayes believes that the provenance of the piece gives it an extra lift, as collectors like to know the background of the items they are purchasing.

Hayes also notes that unlike some of Lowry's other pieces, which have sold a few times and therefore have an established market value, "Lady in Waiting" does not have an established market value. This means that the painting could potentially sell for more than the estimated £150,000. Hayes says that they have already had some good initial interest in the piece.

Lowry was born in Manchester in 1887 and began his career as a rent collector. He attended evening art classes and painted in his free time. He gained recognition in the 1930s and 1940s for his unique style of painting, which depicted the working-class life in the industrial towns of northwest England. Lowry passed away in 1976 at the age of 88, leaving behind a vast collection of paintings that have become highly sought after by collectors.

The sale of "Lady in Waiting" is set to take place on Thursday, and it is expected to attract a great deal of interest from art collectors and enthusiasts alike. The painting represents a rare opportunity to acquire a lesser-known but highly prized piece from one of the most iconic British artists of the 20th century. The auction will be closely watched to see if the painting sells for more than the estimated value, which would be a testament to the enduring appeal of Lowry's work. Photo by A. Carty at English Wikipedia.