The morocco-bound book (click here for ATG’s preview) lists every work painted by both Sir Lawrence and his wife, Laura, through their careers and was bought by the vendor for a few pounds when he noticed the overlooked item in a box of 1960s girlie magazines at a clearance auction.
The underbidder subsequently bought the magazines from him.
The book, estimated by Mullock’s at £5000-7000, contained copious notes on the attribution of paintings, along with details of any overpainting, title changes and alterations. It also contained details on where paintings were exhibited and their original buyers.
At the sale on May 27, it attracted international interest from private, trade and institutional bidders, but sold to an anonymous buyer.
