An outstanding private collection of 15 works by Archibald Thorburn will feature in the next 19^th Century Paintings auction at Bonhams on July 13.

The highlight in the sale is the magnificent Peacock and Peacock Butterfly which is estimated to make £80,000-120,000. At 87.5 x 111.5cm it is one of the largest of Thorburn's paintings, and shows a large peacock proudly displaying his extravagant plumage, in contrast to the delicate and beautifully detailed peacock butterfly in the foreground.

Hugh Gladstone wrote in Thorburn's obituary in the Scottish Naturalist, January 1936: "Of all his pictures...the most daring was a gigantic one...of a peacock in full display in front of a red rhododendron in full bloom; a gorgeous sunset and woodland as the background...I remember the whole as a riot of colour...both magnificent and accurate."

Also expected to prove popular with investors is Danger aloft - Ptarmigan. Bonhams holds the record for the highest price paid for a Thorburn ptarmigan painting at £72,000, and this work has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £70,000-100,000.

This Thorburn work could achieve £120,000 at auction

Thorburn's The Covey at Daybreak - Partridges, made £192,000 in January at Bonhams - one of the highest prices ever paid for a Thorburn at auction.