A PAINTING and collection of postcards by cat loving artist Louis Wain are set to go under the hammer.

The sale is part of Charterhouse's auction of collectors’ items which takes place in Sherborne later this month.

The original grey wash drawing and collection of postcards by Louis Wain were entered into the Charterhouse auction by a client in Fareham.

Auctioneer Richard Bromell said: "It is difficult not to smile at Louis Wain pictures.

"His style has never been recreated by any other artist successfully and today his drawings, books, postcards and other illustrations are collected worldwide.

"Such is the continued interest in Louis Wain that Benedict Cumberbatch will be staring as Louis Wain in a film which is currently in production.”

The collection was inherited from a close family member of the vendor. The signed painting, entitled 'Has our mistress been killing birds' was bought by the family member in 1978 from a dealer in Kent. It is estimated to sell for £300-500.

There are also a group of Louis Wain postcards from the same owner which auctioneers hope will make between £100-200.

Louis Wain, born in 1860, is known for his drawings of anthropomorphised large eyed cats and kittens.

He started drawing cats when he adopted a stray cat which he named Peter.

Viewing for the auction, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne is on Wednesday 18th September 10-5pm and Thursday 19th 9-5pm.

The sale takes place on Friday, September 20.

Visit www.charterhouse-auction.com to see all the lots.