TOP LONDON experts are appraising a three-panelled piece of altar artwork known as a triptych from St. Johns’ Almshouse in Sherborne (February 2025).
The artwork was removed from the Almshouse’s Chapel for safekeeping when work started on converting the adjoining space into a tearoom.
Richard Hunt, Chair of the Almshouse Trustees, explains: “The painting was moved to keep it safe and out of harm’s way during the building work that is currently ongoing, and that is why we have taken the opportunity to find out more about it.”
The triptych possibly dates to the fifteenth century and depicts five miracles of Christ including the raising of Lazarus in the central panel.
Richard adds: “The artwork has been dated on stylistic grounds to the late 1400s. There is some debate over whether it is Flemish or French and the artist is unknown. We are hoping that expert analysis will help us to fill in some of the blanks.
“Once we know more about the origins and attribution, and, also have an assessment of the value of the painting, we can then consider its future.”
The ongoing work at the Almshouse is part of a new collaboration involving the Almshouse and Sherborne Abbey, which was announced last year.
It will see some rooms re-modelled to enable affordable independent living for people from the area, while the Abbey will use downstairs space for a traditional tearoom and a suite of rooms upstairs to provide a support centre for young people and separate space for community projects.
Anyone who has any information about the triptych they would like to share is invited to contact the Almshouse by emailing: housewardens@stjohnshouse.org.
For further details, please visit www.stjohnshouse.org.
