Lowry drawing Enlarge Image

Salford-born Laurence Stephen Lowry created Standing Figures in 1964, at the height of Beatlemania.

Lowry once commented on the resemblance but never confirmed that it was intentional said a spokeswoman for auctioneers Bonhams.

The price tag on the drawing was paid by a private anonymous buyer, who was bidding over the phone.

Its seller, also anonymous, had originally bought the drawing at Lowry's home in Moreton, Gloucestershire, in 1970.

Home invitation

He was invited to Lowry's home twice.

On the first occasion Lowry, who died in 1976 aged 91, wanted to vet him to see if he was genuinely interested in his work and secondly to choose a piece from his collection.

"We chuckled about the coincidental portrayal of Lennon, and I thought it interesting how he spoke so openly about his work as though discussing somebody else's work," said the vendor.

The Bonhams' spokeswoman added: "Although never confirmed whether this was intentional, the fact the work was executed in 1964 at the height of Beatlemania cannot be overlooked."

Lowry, who is credited as the most important and recognisable 20th century artist from the North of England, is best known for his matchstick figures, mills, industrial towns and depictions of overworked populations.

Bonhams had expected the sketch to fetch between �15,000 and �20,000 at its 20th Century Modern British sale in London.