LS Lowry's Liver Buildings painting goes on show Published duration 13 June 2015

image copyright Estate of LS Lowry image caption 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.

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

image copyright Estate of LS Lowry image caption Other works on show include Newspaper Seller from 1942

image copyright Estate of LS Lowry image caption The painting and preparatory pencil sketch of Going to the Match, 1953, has been loaned by the Professional Footballers' Association

image copyright Estate of LS Lowry image caption A 1963 depiction of sea trials in South Shields is also in the exhibition

image copyright Estate of LS Lowry image caption The Lake was painted in 1971