We’re offering our three-panelled altarpiece up for sale to secure our charity’s ongoing fundamental purpose – to provide accommodation for people from the area in need (October 2025).
The triptych artwork was removed from the Almshouse’s chapel for safekeeping when building refurbishment work began earlier in the year and has now been appraised by medieval Flemish art experts.
Protect charity’s work
Chair of the Almshouse Trustees, Richard Hunt explains: “For nearly 600 years, our mission has been to provide accommodation for local people in need and now, with the sale of this artwork, we have an important opportunity to protect the work that the charity can do for generations to come.
“Following many months of research by art experts in London, the quality and importance of our altarpiece has now been established and it is thought that the painting could raise between £2.5 and £3.5 million at auction.
Cost-prohibitive
“Given the potential costs of insuring work of such quality, along with the need for adequate security, and a climate-controlled environment, the Trustees have – after much discussion – unanimously decided to offer the painting for sale. It is cost-prohibitive for us to keep it onsite and publicly displayed going forward.
Preservation
“The Almshouse has been the privileged custodian of this artwork for a long time, but in light of its newly-revealed importance and value, we feel we must secure its preservation in an environment where it will be better conserved, and to use the funds to do what the Almshouse is here for – providing accommodation for local people in need in the heart of Sherborne.”
Auction date
The painting will be included in Sotheby’s Sale of Old Master and 19th Century Paintings in London on December 3.
Richard adds: “We have listened to the community around us who want the charity and the Almhouse to continue with its essential work in Sherborne.
Proceeds
“Proceeds from the sale of the triptych will fund the re-modelling of the inside of the Almshouse building to create six new homes, enabling independent living for members of our
community facing hardship. There are also significant on-going maintenance costs associated with keeping our Grade I listed building.”