Two Lowry paintings to go on sale

The Farm has not seen in public for more than 40 years

Two paintings by LS Lowry - including one not seen in public for more than 40 years - are going up for auction.

The Farm, an "unseen" pastoral scene painted in 1955, is expected to sell for £150,000 at Bonhams in London.

A second painting, The Footbridge, is expected to fetch £180,000 at the 20th Century British Art sale on 2 July.

Both works are being sold by the Manchester-based Co-Operative Financial Services (CFS) to fund its support in community art projects.

'Contrasting paintings'

A spokesman said: "We are currently developing a new art policy which is based on our commitment to social responsibility and will reflect our ethical approach to business.

"This collection was put together some time ago, and whilst of high quality, does not particularly reflect the CFS's values."

Matthew Bradbury, director of 20th Century art at Bonhams, said: "It is a pleasure to be handling two such contrasting paintings by one of Britain's most admired artists.

"The typical industrial street scene with its familiar footbridge motif that was used in quite a number of Lowry's paintings complements the more tranquil image of an empty countryside landscape depicting a farm."

Earlier this month, a selection of the Salford artist's works raised more than £1.2m at auction house Christie's.