Durham Cathedral Art Appraisal

Framed Watercolor of Durham Cathedral by Fred Lawson

This item is a framed landscape artwork, likely an original watercolor or a high-quality lithograph, depicting the iconic Durham Cathedral in England. The architectural subject is rendered with a romanticized, topographical style common in the early to mid-20th century. The composition features the cathedral rising from a wooded hill above a river and several red-roofed buildings. The medium appears to be watercolor on paper, characterized by soft washes and delicate detail in the stone masonry of the cathedral towers. In the lower right corner, there is a clear signature and inscription that reads 'Fred Lawson / Redmire / 192x', identifying the artist as the British painter Fred Lawson (1888-1968), known for his Yorkshire dales landscapes. The artwork is housed under glass in a simple, mid-century style wooden frame with a light oak finish. It is professionally matted with a double-lined border on a pale cream or beige matboard. Regarding condition, the paper shows some light tonal shifting, and there is a noticeable circular reflection on the glass, though the underlying image appears well-preserved with vibrant colors in the greens and reds. No major foxing or moisture damage is visible from the primary perspective. The framing appears secure, suggesting the work has been kept in a stable indoor environment.