The Football Match (1949) by L.S. Lowry will form part of the 20th Century British Art Sale in May and has an estimate between £3.5million and £4.5million.

The painting by ‘matchstick’ artist LS Lowry, which has not been seen in public for two decades, could set a new world record for his works by fetching up to £4.5 million at the auction.

The Football Match was painted in 1949 and is one of the most eye-catching depictions of the sport by the Manchester City-supporting painter, famed for his depictions of Salford life.

The artwork is in the hands of a private collector and is estimated to go for between £3.5 million and £4.5 million when it is sold by Christie’s in May.

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