A PAINTING by Suffolk-born artist Sir Alfred Munnings which has not been seen in public for 30 years is expected to sell for up to £2.5million next month.

A PAINTING by Suffolk-born artist Sir Alfred Munnings which has not been seen in public for 30 years is expected to sell for up to £2.5million next month.

The artwork, A Bob and his Pony - Portrait of Daffern Seal on Canary, is included in Sotheby's Sporting Sale, which was previewed yesterday and takes place on May 7.

The painting, which has not been on the market or seen in public for 30 years, has a guide price of £1.5m-£2.5m.

Last year's sale of Sporting Pictures saw three works by the artist sell for a combined total of more than £2.3million.

Mendham-born Sir Alfred is regarded as one of England's finest painter of horses, and achieved some of the top honours in the art world, despite losing his right eye in an accident aged just 20.

He died at his home, Castle House, in Dedham, aged 80 in 1959. The house is now a museum dedicated to his work.