LS Lowry's Sunday Afternoon is to go on display for the first time in more than half a century before it goes up for auction next month.

Auctioneer Christie's said the painting showing people in a park on a day off from work is anticipated to attract between £4m and £6m.

Born on Barrett Street in what was Stretford, Lancashire, LS Lowry is renowned for his depiction of the working-class experience in the North of England of which Sunday Afternoon is an example.

It dates back to the 1950s but, for all but 10 years of its life, it has remained in the collection of the family of Sir Keith Showering, a former chief executive of the breweries business Allied Breweries.

It is to go on display at Christie's in London in the week up until its Modern British and Irish Art Evening Sale on March 20, which director Philip Harley said is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity".

Mr Harley said: "We are thrilled to bring Sunday Afternoon to auction in the Modern British and Irish Art Evening Sale. 

"We look forward to welcoming our clients and visitors alike to view the painting when it goes on display in London." 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.