Drawing of a farm by John Constable sells for £71k

The work was being auctioned for the first time since its creation in 1827

A drawing by the renowned landscape artist John Constable has sold for more than £71,000 at auction.

The Suffolk-born artist did the black chalk and grey wash drawing of a farm in the county in 1827.

It was the first time it had been sold. It had been expected to fetch up to £30,000 but went for £71,740 to a UK buyer.

Lara L'vov-Basirov, from Roseberys Fine Art Auctioneers, said the price reflected the quality of the drawing and the demand for Constable's work.

The drawing was expected to sell for £20,000-£30,000

"Constable's works on paper rarely come to auction, and those with direct family provenance are even scarcer," said Ms L'vov-Basirov, head of old master, British and European pictures at the London-based auctioneers.

"This result reflects both the quality of the drawing and the strength of demand for fresh material linked to the artist's personal circle."

Constable gave the drawing of Valley Farm in the village of Flatford to his second son.

It shows the warden's house and the artist inscribed "Flatford/13 Oct/1827" in the lower right corner.

Following his son's death in 1878, the work descended directly to the most recent owner.

Born in 1776 in East Bergholt, Constable is best known for his depictions of the English countryside, particularly in the Dedham Vale in Suffolk and Essex.

His father owned Flatford Mill and Constable's most famous work, The Hay Wain, was set nearby.

Constable died in London in 1837.