Distinctive images of Sussex will come under the hammer today.

A collection of 38 paintings by Percy Horton, who died in 1970, will be auctioned by London auctioneers Bonhams.

The artist's landscapes, depicting the Downs and Sussex farms in heavy colour and with lots of shade, have reserve prices of between £100 and £200.

Horton was born in 1897 and won a scholarship to Brighton College of Art, where his drawing and pictorial composition skills were recognised.

He graduated with distinction in 1914 and became particularly influenced by French painting styles, being a big admirer of Cezanne.

In 1926, Horton joined the teaching staff at the Royal College of Art in London, where he remained for the next 19 years.

During the Second World War, the college was evacuated to Ambleside in the Lake District, and it was here Horton produced a series of paintings of the area and its people.

He also produced works for the National War Records and these portraits, as well as paintings of war factories, are now in the Imperial War Museum in London.

As well as Sussex landscapes, popular subjects for Horton included portraits of the many heads of house and senior tutors at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

He used the gamekeeper's tower at Firle Park in Firle, near Lewes, as his painting headquarters for many years.

Horton died in London on November 4, 1970. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

His pictures can be seen at The Tate, the National Portrait Gallery, the Imperial War Museum, Leeds City Art Gallery and municipal galleries throughout Britain.

The auction is being held at Bonhams Auction House in Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London, starting at 1pm.