A SKETCH by Pablo Picasso is expected to make �30-�40,000 when it is auctioned in Crewkerne after Easter. Lawrences Auctioneers hope the early drawing by the world s most valuable artist will attract international attention.

A SKETCH by Pablo Picasso is expected to make �30-�40,000 when it is auctioned in Crewkerne after Easter.

Lawrences Auctioneers hope the early drawing by the world's most valuable artist will attract international attention.

"The pen and ink drawing, entitled Personnages et Deux Chiens, depicts two groups of figures with a couple of dogs," explains Lawrences' specialist, Richard Kay.

"It was drawn by Picasso when he was still a teenager living in Madrid, developing his own style, and comes from a sketchbook known as Carnet 96."

Although not signed, the drawing, measuring five inches by nine, is stamped to show it was once in the collection of his granddaughter, Marina. It is being sold from a private West Country collection.

"Its sale coincides with the Picasso exhibition at The National Gallery in London, Challenging the Past and we are hopeful it will attract interest from Japan, where there are keen collectors for this early period," said Richard.

All enquiries to richard.kay@lawrences.co.uk