LS Lowry's Liver Buildings painting goes on show

The 1959 painting shows Liverpool's landmark buildings on the River Mersey

A rarely seen painting of Liverpool's waterfront by the artist LS Lowry has gone on display for the first time in more than 40 years.

The Liver Buildings, painted in 1959, has been in private possession for nearly 30 years and has never appeared in a major public exhibition.

Its owner has agreed to lend it to The Lowry gallery in Salford for three years.

Curator Claire Stewart said it was "a beautiful example" of Lowry's work.

It forms part of a new exhibition showcasing more than 100 paintings and drawings by the artist, who was born in Stretford in 1887. Much of his work depicted 20th Century life and scenes in northern England.

His 1960 painting, known as Station Approach, Manchester, was sold last year for £2.3m.

Lowry's work was also shown solo abroad for the first time when they were exhibited recently in China.

Other works on show include Newspaper Seller from 1942

The painting and preparatory pencil sketch of Going to the Match, 1953, has been loaned by the Professional Footballers' Association

A 1963 depiction of sea trials in South Shields is also in the exhibition

The Lake was painted in 1971