DOZENS of paintings by Sir Alfred Munnings are set to be reunited and shown in the UK for the first time in 100 years.

The paintings, 41 in total, will be shown in the renowned artist's former home, Castle House in Dedham, alongside the surviving sketchbooks which inspired them.

It is the first time the sketchbooks and finished pictures, which are on tour from the Canadian War Museum, have been on display together, providing a unique view of life behind the lines.

Jenny Hand, director of the Munnings Art Museum believes Behind the Lines: Alfred Munnings, War Artist, 1918, said: “Even for established fans of Sir Alfred’s work, this touring exhibition represents an opportunity to see 41 paintings not shown outside of Canada since 1919, and enjoy new insights into his handling of the subject of war.

"I also think the exhibition will resonate with people whose relatives served in the forces in eastern France and those with connections to Canada.”

Celebrated as one of England’s finest equestrian painters, Sir Alfred Munnings forged much of his early reputation as a brilliant war artist.

Serving in eastern France with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1918, Munnings sketched and painted landscapes, battle scenes and, naturally, horses to document life on the fighting front and the vital logistical work taking place behind the lines.

Munnings had tried to enlist in the army at the outset of the First World War in 1914, but was turned down on account of only having sight in one eye. Instead, he found himself at the Remounts, Calcot Park, Reading checking horses prior to their embarkation to France. It was while there that the art critic Paul Konody recommended Munnings to the Canadian War Memorials Fund as an official war artist.

In January 1918 Munnings found himself embedded within the Canadian Cavalry Brigade and later, the Canadian Forestry Corps, an army comprised largely of citizen soldiers, fighting on the Western Front.

More than 150 other works by Munnings, from his boyhood sketches, through his early commercial work, to his iconic horse paintings, will also be on display throughout Castle House at the same time.

The initial concept for the exhibition came from the well-known horse racing journalist, broadcaster and former jockey, Brough Scott.

Brough is also the grandson of Brigadier-General John ‘Galloper Jack’ Seely, who commanded the Canadian Cavalry Brigade.

He said: "I am so thrilled it is going to Dedham and greatly look forward to seeing it and everybody there."

The exhibition has been developed by the Canadian War Museum in partnership with the Munnings Art Museum and supported by The Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation.

It will take place from March 23 to November 3.