A painting by LS Lowry featuring his famous 'matchstick' figures, and a bust of celebrated fell runner Joss Naylor, are just two of the items being auctioned at Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale from September 11 to September 13.

The three-day event will see more than 1,750 lots sold, including 200 from a private estate in North West Cumbria.

Other highlights include drawings by Alfred Wainwright, artworks by Sheila Fell and Percy Kelly, and an anti-nuclear leaflet design by Josefina de Vasconcellos.

The main highlight is a collaboration between Lowry and lifelong friend Geoffrey Bennett.

Their painting depicts Rockcliffe Church, near Carlisle, where Bennett was minister.

At 39cm x 24cm and with matchstick figures including children playing with a ball and a dog, the piece is co-signed in the bottom left 'GS Bennett and LS Lowry 1964'.

It is expected to sell for between £2,000 and £5,000, although James Moore, head of antiques & fine art, said: "The painting could sell for considerably more given its impeccable provenance.

"We’ve found a photograph of Lowry and Bennett looking at the painting together which greatly adds to its appeal and potential value, as does the joint signature of both artists on the painting."

When Lowry died in 1976, it was Bennett who conducted his funeral service.

Proceeds from the artwork will aid the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle Cathedral and The Geoffrey and Alice Bennett Bequest, which supports retired clergy.

Also of interest is a bronze resin bust of the late fell runner Joss Naylor OBE, created by Cumbrian professional sculptor Paul Bainbridge.

The sculpture is one of two originally crafted to celebrate Naylor's feat of running 70 Lake District Fells on his 70th birthday.

Mr Bainbridge has donated the piece for sale in hopes that it will raise £500 to £800 for Wasdale Mountain Rescue, of which Naylor was honorary vice president.

Art enthusiasts can also look forward to Lowry protégé Sheila Fell's Aspatria 1969, a small watercolour expected to fetch £1,000 to £1,500.

Lowry much admired Fell's work, declaring in 1968: "If you asked me seriously – what artists did I like best of artists painting today? I would say Sheila Fell."

Other notable lots include Last of the Summer Wine country! Near Hebden Bridge Yorks, by Percy Kelly, with an estimate of £800 to £1200; four original drawings by Alfred Wainwright, expected to sell for between £400 and £1000 each; and artworks by EH Thompson, William Heaton Cooper, Karen Wallbank, June Bennett, Claude Harrison, and Len Roope.

The sale also features a sprawling collection of over 100 horological lots, including barographs by makers such as Pollock and Stewart of Glasgow, Short and Mason of London, and J Lizars of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Collectors’ items include six rare treen, walnut, and oak 18th century Westmorland riddle or baking boards.

Among furniture, highlights include a good set of six George III Chippendale style dining chairs, a Victorian breakfront bookcase, and garden furniture including a 19th century French wrought iron garden table.

Ceramics include an 18th century delft plate depicting Mary and Jesus, with an estimate of £300 to £500.

The paintings by Lowry & Bennett and Sheila Fell, the Joss Naylor bust, and the Vasconcellos design will be sold on the second day of Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale on Thursday, September 12.

Lots are on view in the saleroom on Sunday, September 8 from 11am to 3pm, on Monday, September 9 and Tuesday, September 10 from 10am to 5pm, and throughout each sale day.

A fully illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells

Those unable to attend in person can arrange to bid by telephone or leave commission bids in advance by contacting the salesroom.

For further information about lots featured in the auction and condition reports, contact James Moore on 01900 827800.