James Lawrence Isherwood (1917 – 1989). Born in 1917 into a working class family in Wigan, James Lawrence Isherwood’s family were cobblers. He worked in the shop until released by his father’s death in the 1950s. Isherwood devoted his life to his art. Isherwood studied under the French impressionist painter, Adolphe Valette, who also tutored Lowry. Lowry himself knew Isherwood, buying a painting from him, “Minnie Small with Kitten”, which can be seen in photographs of Lowry working in his studio. Lowry once said, “I only buy art I like and I bought an Isherwood.” He went on to say,” Isherwood is most likely to follow in my footsteps. ”There is no doubt Isherwood’s key works illustrate his unique gift for making us see the world in a different way. Best known for his Expressionist cityscapes set in both London and Wigan. Isherwood used bright primary colours and forceful brushstrokes to convey a sense of urgency in his work. The artist had limited commercial success during his lifetime, painting controversial, gimmicky paintings of celebrities which damaged his reputation as a serious artist. He was known locally as ‘the eccentric artist’, and many of his Impressionist-style works were painted under the influence of alcohol. Now highly acclaimed in the art world, the work of Isherwood, and indeed his personal battles, were frowned upon by society at large. Isherwood’s paintings were dismissed as worthless and the artist died in poverty from cancer. Now, the art world salutes him as one of the last true “impressionist” painters.
Since his death the value of Isherwood's original paintings has increased steadily, with a recent record auction price in excess of £8000. Isherwood’s work is held in numerous private and public collections Worldwide, including that of Sir Ian Mckellen, The Marquess of Bath, L.S.Lowry and King Charles.
The artist’s eccentric life was the subject of a BBC documentary in 1974 titled ‘I am Isherwood’. The documentary attracted further press attention leading to articles in the broadsheets amongst many publications.
Oil on board. Signed and titled verso. 39cm x 49cm
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