Historic Flemish Triptych to Fund Social Housing in Sherborne
Published 14 November 2025
Highlights
- A 15th-century Flemish triptych housed in Sherborne's almshouse is valued at £3.5m and will be auctioned at Sotheby's on 3 December.
- The painting, depicting five miracles of Christ, was hidden during the Protestant Reformation and rediscovered in the 19th century.
- Proceeds from the sale will fund six new accommodation units for Sherborne's social housing, aligning with the almshouse's mission.
- The triptych, made from East Baltic oak, is the only known work of an unknown Brussels artist from the late 15th century.
- The almshouse, established in 1437, has faced financial challenges, leading to the closure of most of its accommodation units.
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Rewritten Article
Historic Flemish Triptych to Fund Social Housing in Sherborne
A remarkable 15th-century Flemish triptych, long housed in the chapel of St John's Almshouse in Sherborne, Dorset, has been valued at an astonishing £3.5 million. The artwork, which depicts five miracles of Christ, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's on 3 December, with proceeds earmarked for the creation of new social housing units in the town.
A Hidden Masterpiece
The triptych, crafted from East Baltic oak between 1480 and 1490, was identified by experts as the sole surviving work of an unknown Brussels artist. Its historical journey is as captivating as its artistic merit. During the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, the painting was concealed within the almshouse to protect it from religious purges. Rediscovered in the early 19th century, it has since been a fixture in the chapel.
Financial Lifeline for Social Housing
The decision to auction the artwork comes as the almshouse grapples with financial constraints. Established in 1437, the almshouse has a long-standing mission to provide shelter for those in need. However, a recent financial review led to the closure of most of its 19 accommodation units. The sale of the triptych is expected to fund six new units, revitalizing the charity's mission.
Expert Insights and Auction Details
Sotheby's, which conducted extensive research on the triptych, confirmed its rarity and historical significance. "The Sherborne almshouse triptych is a remarkably intact altarpiece," a Sotheby's spokesperson noted, highlighting its survival through both the Dissolution and the Puritan Iconoclasm. The auction house's analysis involved advanced techniques such as dendrochronology and infrared reflectography to date the artwork accurately.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Mike Burks, a trustee of the almshouse, expressed the community's surprise at the painting's value, stating, "We knew it was valuable, but there was quite a lot of debate about its value." The sale represents a significant opportunity to secure the almshouse's future and continue its legacy of supporting local residents.
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Scenario Analysis
The upcoming auction of the Flemish triptych could significantly impact Sherborne's social housing landscape. If the sale meets expectations, it will provide much-needed funds to expand accommodation options for those in need, aligning with the almshouse's historical mission. Experts suggest that the successful auction of such a rare piece could also draw attention to other undiscovered artworks in similar institutions, potentially leading to further discoveries and sales. Politically, the sale underscores the ongoing challenges faced by charitable organizations in maintaining historical properties while fulfilling their social missions.
A remarkable 15th-century Flemish triptych, long housed in the chapel of St John's Almshouse in Sherborne, Dorset, has been valued at an astonishing £3.5 million. The artwork, which depicts five miracles of Christ, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's on 3 December, with proceeds earmarked for the creation of new social housing units in the town.
A Hidden Masterpiece
The triptych, crafted from East Baltic oak between 1480 and 1490, was identified by experts as the sole surviving work of an unknown Brussels artist. Its historical journey is as captivating as its artistic merit. During the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, the painting was concealed within the almshouse to protect it from religious purges. Rediscovered in the early 19th century, it has since been a fixture in the chapel.
Financial Lifeline for Social Housing
The decision to auction the artwork comes as the almshouse grapples with financial constraints. Established in 1437, the almshouse has a long-standing mission to provide shelter for those in need. However, a recent financial review led to the closure of most of its 19 accommodation units. The sale of the triptych is expected to fund six new units, revitalizing the charity's mission.
Expert Insights and Auction Details
Sotheby's, which conducted extensive research on the triptych, confirmed its rarity and historical significance. "The Sherborne almshouse triptych is a remarkably intact altarpiece," a Sotheby's spokesperson noted, highlighting its survival through both the Dissolution and the Puritan Iconoclasm. The auction house's analysis involved advanced techniques such as dendrochronology and infrared reflectography to date the artwork accurately.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Mike Burks, a trustee of the almshouse, expressed the community's surprise at the painting's value, stating, "We knew it was valuable, but there was quite a lot of debate about its value." The sale represents a significant opportunity to secure the almshouse's future and continue its legacy of supporting local residents.
What this might mean
The upcoming auction of the Flemish triptych could significantly impact Sherborne's social housing landscape. If the sale meets expectations, it will provide much-needed funds to expand accommodation options for those in need, aligning with the almshouse's historical mission. Experts suggest that the successful auction of such a rare piece could also draw attention to other undiscovered artworks in similar institutions, potentially leading to further discoveries and sales. Politically, the sale underscores the ongoing challenges faced by charitable organizations in maintaining historical properties while fulfilling their social missions.
