L.S. Lowry (1887–1976)

Title: Burford Church
Date: 1972
Medium: Offset lithograph
Edition: 850
Size: 89 × 73 cm
Publisher: The Adam Collection
Signature: Signed by the Artist

Burford Church presents a rare Lowry subject outside his better known industrial Northern scenes. Here the artist turns his attention to the historic town of Burford in Oxfordshire, capturing the quiet dignity of its parish church rising at the end of a gently curving street.

The composition draws the eye toward the strong vertical of the church spire, which anchors the scene architecturally and spiritually. The surrounding buildings are rendered with Lowry’s characteristic economy of line and muted palette. Small figures animate the street, providing scale and movement while maintaining the stillness that defines the atmosphere.

Unlike his crowded factory yards and smoking chimneys, this scene feels measured and contemplative. The absence of industrial haze allows the structure to breathe within an open sky. The church stands as both landmark and symbol of continuity.

Artistic Context
By 1972 Lowry was an established national figure. Although best known for his industrial cityscapes of Salford and Manchester, he frequently painted churches, town centres and civic buildings. These works reveal his enduring fascination with architecture as structure and rhythm.

In the early 1970s Lowry was still actively producing paintings and drawings while retrospective interest in his career was increasing significantly. His late period is marked by a refinement of composition and a reduction of extraneous detail. The figures become more minimal yet emotionally resonant.

This edition belongs to the authorised print series produced during his lifetime to meet growing demand. These prints allowed collectors to access Lowry’s imagery at a more approachable level while preserving the clarity of his draughtsmanship.

Key Works from This Era
Around this period Lowry was creating late industrial landscapes as well as more architectural studies including:
The Pond
Industrial Landscape
Station Approach
Various church and civic building compositions

His late works often show a greater spatial openness and compositional calm compared to his earlier densely populated scenes.

Cultural Context
In the early 1970s Britain was undergoing economic and social transition. Lowry’s imagery had already become emblematic of a vanishing industrial world. At the same time there was growing nostalgia for heritage and traditional architecture.

A subject such as Burford Church sits between these worlds. It reflects Lowry’s ability to observe not only working class industry but also the enduring architectural spine of English towns. The work speaks to continuity amid change.

Technique
This work is an offset lithograph produced from Lowry’s original composition. The process faithfully preserves the distinctive flat planes, restrained colour palette and fine linear definition that characterise his style.

The edition size of 850 reflects the high demand for Lowry’s work during his lifetime. Despite the larger edition compared to etchings or lithographs by some contemporaries, authorised Lowry prints remain highly collectable due to the artist’s cultural significance.

Collector’s Insight
Lowry’s market remains exceptionally stable and internationally recognised. His imagery has become synonymous with 20th century British art.

Burford Church offers something slightly different from his industrial subjects. It appeals to collectors who appreciate Lowry’s architectural sensitivity and quieter compositions.

With its generous scale at 89 × 73 cm, the work has strong wall presence while retaining Lowry’s subtle restraint. For collectors based in Oxfordshire, the subject also carries a regional resonance that enhances its appeal.