Lowry & Bennett painting of Rockcliffe church sells at auction

The artwork, created by Reverend Geoffrey S Bennett and Lawrence Stephen Lowry, was sold at Mitchell's Auction Company in Cockermouth on September 12.

The piece, depicting the church near Carlisle, is an oil on board painting. 

Reverend Bennett, a former bank worker in Whitehaven, Maryport, and Cleator Moor, met Lowry through their shared passion for painting.

By this time, through his own art and following the work of LS Lowry, the men became friends.

Lowry stayed with the Reverend and his family in Cleator Moor.

Lowry and Bennett's painting of Rockcliffe Church sells for £23,000. (Image: Mitchells)

The banker retired in 1961 and a year later was ordained as minister at Rockcliffe and then Carlisle, where they would eventually paint the picture together, with Bennett painting the church and trees, and Lowry painting the figures below.

James Moore, head of fine art, antiques and country sports at Mitchell's Auction Company of Cockermouth, said the sale saw quite the competition, with it eventually being sold in the room.

"We had numerous bidders, commission bids, people on the telephones but it was a final battle between two people in the room." 

Mr Moore described the challenge in valuing the artwork, given its rare collaborative nature. 

"It was a difficult picture to try and value. It’s not very often you have a piece of art by two artists.

"Had it been purely a Lowry or a Geoffrey Bennett, you don’t know how people will perceive a mix.

"There was an insurance valuation at three and a half thousand, you use that as a bit of a guide.

"But looking at the history, the Lowry name, everything there, it’s an unbelievable thing.

"I was cautious with the estimate but to make that kind of money is fantastic," he said. 

Also going under the hammer that day was a bronze-resin sculpture of the legendary Lake District fell runner Joss Naylor MBE.

Joss Naylor MBE sculpture sells at auction for £2,100 (Image: Wasdale MRT) It also exceeded expectations as it sold for £2,100 ahead of the initial valuations of between £500 and £800.

It was also sold in the room with all funds raised going towards Wasdale Mountain Rescue, where Joss held the honorary title of vice president.