Old Town Hall, Middlesbrough
Old Town Hall, Middlesbrough
Signed Print
L S Lowry
£400-£600
$850-$1,250 Value Indicator
$750-$1,100 Value Indicator
¥3,900-¥6,000 Value Indicator
€450-€700 Value Indicator
$4,250-$6,500 Value Indicator
¥80,000-¥120,000 Value Indicator
$550-$800 Value Indicator
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42 x 31cm, Edition of 850, Lithograph
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Meaning & Analysis
Old Town Hall, Middlesbrough is a signed offset lithograph printed in colours by renowned British painter, L.S. Lowry. The print depicts Albert Road in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire. The focal point of the composition is the Middlesbrough Town Hall which Lowry renders using understated blue and yellow colours. To the left of the Town Hall is the impressive St Hilda’s Church, a tall, black, gothic church which appears to tower over the city, making the Town Hall and people walking along the street seem much smaller in comparison.
In front of the Town Hall, Lowry depicts various small figures walking around and going about their daily lives. These figures, which lack detail, all seem alike and have become a signature element of the artist’s visual language. Known as ‘matchstick men’ the simple forms are employed to represent the monotonous routine and seriality of urban life.
The original painting produced by Lowry was commissioned by the Friends of Middlesbrough Art Gallery in 1958. Lowry was asked to paint a scene of local relevance, and chose to depict the Town Hall and church, two iconic buildings that were an important part of the Northern town. Lowry’s work now represents an important part of Middlesbrough’s history as it preserves the cityscape which has changed drastically since the composition was made.