Dorset Museum & Art Gallery Race to save ‘Exceptionally Rare’ Medieval Masterpiece for Dorset
The Sherborne Almshouse Triptych, a beautifully preserved 15th-century Netherlandish altarpiece, is being auctioned on 3 December at Sotheby's.
For over 500 years, this rare painting has remained in its original home in the chapel of St John’s Almshouse in Sherborne, Dorset. With the Almshouse Trustees now preparing to auction the triptych to fund urgently needed new housing, we have a brief window to act to keep it in public hands.
Painted around 1480–1490, it is believed to be the only surviving work by its anonymous master and has been described by scholars as ‘exceptionally rare’ – not only for its artistic brilliance, but also for its remarkable survival through centuries of religious and political upheaval.
Painted by the newly recognised Master of the Sherborne Almshouse Triptych, associated with the Brussels School, the work portrays five miraculous healings of Christ. Its theme resonates deeply with the Almshouse’s historic mission of compassion, and many experts believe it was commissioned specifically for the site.
Hidden during periods of iconoclastic destruction, the triptych survived the centuries and was rediscovered in the 19th century, captivating historians and visitors ever since.
Remarkably, it has remained in its original home throughout its history, leaving only twice for major exhibitions: the Royal Academy’s Exhibition of British Primitive Paintings in 1923 and the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Gothic: Art for England 1400–1547 in 2003–2004.
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery are committed to securing this irreplaceable piece of heritage for permanent public display. To do this, they need to raise £3.5 million before 3 December.
Main Image:The centerpiece of The Master of the Sherborne Almshouse Triptych, 1480–90.Courtesy Sotheby's