A PICTURE of local stag hounds by one of Britain's most celebrated sporting artists is forecast to fetch a five-figure sum when it goes to auction.

The Barle Valley painting by Lionel Edwards is going under the hammer on Wednesday, September 21.

Cheffins Fine Art Auctioneers in Cambridge is selling the picture of the Devon and Somerset Stag Hounds.

The painting, which is dated 1949, depicts the pack in the Barle Valley, seen from Winsford Hill.

The picture was exhibited at the famous exhibition titled ‘Lionel Edwards R.I., R.C.A 1878-1966’ at The Alpine Gallery, London, in 1986, which was organised by the British Sporting Trust.

The huntsman riding with the pack in the picture has been identified as Alfred Lenthall by the Devon and Somerset Stag Hounds.

The picture was consigned to Cheffins by the family of Eric W. Towler, who was based in London and who is believed to have bought the picture from Lionel Edwards himself in 1986.

‘The Devon and Somerset Staghounds’ by Lionel Edwards, has an estimate of £12,000 to £18,000.

For further information, contact Cheffins Fine Art on 01223 213343 or fine.art@cheffins.co.uk