Laurence Stephen Lowry R.A. (British, 1887-1976) Bearded Man 34.6 x 25.7 cm. (13 5/8 x 10 1/8 in.)Property Formerly in the Collection of Pat CookeLaurence Stephen Lowry R.A. (British, 1887-1976)Bearded Man signed and dated 'L S Lowry 1958-9' (lower right)pencil34.6 x 25.7 cm. (13 5/8 x 10 1/8 in.)ProvenancePat CookeHer Estate Sale; Bonhams, Chester, 15 July 2004, lot 377, where acquired by the present ownerPrivate Collection, U.K.Pat Cooke (née Gerrard) met L.S. Lowry aged 13, shortly after the artist moved from his home in Pendlebury to Mottram-in-Longdendale in 1948. Her father, Frank, was a joiner, and he carried out alterations on 'The Elms' following Lowry's arrival. He told Lowry that Pat was fond of drawing, and Lowry suggested that Pat accompany her father on his next visit to the house.Pat became a regular visitor to 'The Elms', often staying long into the night, drawing with Lowry. She painted a portrait of Lowry, which he hung in the front room of his home. Under Lowry's guidance, Pat studied at Manchester Regional College of Art from 1951-1953, and then at the Slade School of Fine Art from 1953-1956. She later went on to teach art at Altrincham Girls School from 1956-1965, before giving her time solely to painting and illustration.Their friendship continued after Pat's marriage to Brian Cooke, a scientist and author. Together they accompanied Lowry on holidays in Ireland between 1962 and 1970. They also visited him in Sunderland, and frequently went on day trips together.In 1998 Pat Cooke published Mr Lowry's Clown, an affectionate memoire of her life, her painting, and her friendship with Lowry.