The mid-nineteenth century in Liverpool saw the emergence of a remarkable group of artists – some born in the city, others who had moved there from elsewhere. They came to be known as the Liverpool School. A selection of works by Liverpool School painters features in Bonhams 19th century and British Impressionist Art sale in London on Wednesday 31 March. Leading the group is Three-a-penny by Joseph Worrall (1829-1913) estimated at £15,000-20,000.

There are few details about Worrall's life, but it is known that in the 1860s he lived on Upper Parliament Street, running from Liverpool eastwards towards Toxteth. Although the open space behind the figure of the young woman selling oranges, and the church and neighbouring terraces that form the background, have not been unidentified they are likely to have been in the same neighbourhood.

Bonhams Head of 19th century paintings Charles O'Brien said: "Liverpool saw an extraordinary flowering of the arts in the middle years of the nineteenth century, greater than any other British city outside London. There was a particular open-mindedness and generosity on the part of the munificent patrons in Liverpool and Birkenhead whose wealth derived from shipping and trade, banking and insurance. Likewise, those who administered the city's principal art institution, the Liverpool Academy, believed in the importance of art which showed familiar places and people that were often unremarkable but were made extraordinary by the sincerity and originality of the vision of the Liverpool School painters as shown by the works in our sale."

Other highlights in the sale by Liverpool School artists include:

• View near Sefton by John Newton (British, active 1835-1891). Estimate £10,000- 15,000.

• Westmorland Hills - Effect before Rain by Daniel Williamson (British, 1823-1903). Estimate: £6,000-8,000.

• The Fisherman's Lesson by James Campbell (British, 1828-1893). Estimate: £3,000-5,000.

• Pond near Highgate by William Davis (British, 1812-1873). Estimate: £2,000-3,000.