Featured John Seerey Lester drawing

I've just picked this up. It was right at the back in the corner above the kids clothes section. It's a John Seerey Lester original pencil drawing I think. I've had it under the glass and cant see any evidence of lithograph dots anyway.

I initially thought it was a drawing of Barton Arcade which still stands between St Anne's Square and Deansgate. However I have just seen an old photo of 'Lancaster Arcade' which was demolished some time ago. This stood between the Corn Exchange and Victoria Station.

 

Very cool. Really like the design features of the arcade. My initial thought was print/copy. But looking at the rest of the photos (and the signature close-up) give me second thoughts. Frame label looks fairly recent. Interested to hear what the knowledgeable members think.

 

Barton Arcade has a similar feel and I enjoy walking through there. It has a nice vibe, although not many shops any more. The label on the frame has a phone number on it with a prefix of 061 for Manchester. This became 0161 in 1995. So it gives it some sort of time frame. I could try taking it out of the frame and using an eraser on it to see if it is really pencil

 

His wife is still alive. Why don't you ask her?

http://www.seerey-lester.com/contact.html

Debora

 

i thought it was shawshank prison when i first saw it

im not sure to be honest.

look for traces of smudges in the white areas, you cant create a drawing like that without having a few

 

Wouodnt a print of the original share the same smudges though? There is a curly hair above the signature which I think adds some provenance.

Strangely enough I found a large pastel drawing by the same artist in the same shop about three years ago. I verified that by taking it out of the frame and touching it (naughty). The colour came off on my fingers.

 

I wouldn't like to bother her and I doubt she knows the details of every work he did. Thanks for the link though.

 

Well it’s very nice. But not the eraser! Ha ha

 

Just on the small writing bit on the corner.

 

As noted, its Lancaster Avenue Arcade ...
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1...QIHYXHAWUQ0pQJegQIChAB&biw=1244&bih=756&dpr=1

 

Just read that Lancaster Avenue Arcade was demolished in mid 70s.Now home to National Football museum. It seems a little deserted compared to photos of it in 1960s so must be just before it closed ,so 1975 would seem a good fit.Would have to think it is original pencil drawing.Pity to lose such an iconic building to so called progress at that time to be replaced by a modern box.

 

She's an artist in her own right. It could be by her.

(I can't tell if it's a drawing or a print. Modern repro techniques don't necessarily have dots, nor would something like wet stone lithography.)

 

I cant actually remember the building and this is the first I've heard of it. I remember them building 'urbis' as it was called before it turned into the football museum but can't remember what was there in the interim. I should do because I am in my late 40's. Strange things cities. They are constantly evolving around us.

 

Yes. It is difficult to discern Pencil or pastel from prints. Especially behind glass.

 

Good train of thought. I have just checked her signature and it is in block capitals with suzie included. Possibly to differentiate.

 

Suzie is American; John was British. And they were only married in 2000. This is from John's bio on their web site. Please note the 3rd paragraph.

Debora

 

Thanks Debora.

 

The artist's wife might be interested in seeing this piece. It's an early work of her husband's and she may not have seen many of his "historic themes."

Debora

 

Good point. I could forward photos to her. She might appreciate it. If not, nothing lost.

 

https://themanc.com/feature/lancaster-avenue-arcade-the-forgotten-shopping-hub-of-the-city-centre/

Here are some. There are plenty more online if you Google images of Lancaster Avenue Arcade.