A remarkable discovery in a quiet Dorset market town is set to transform its future, after a painting hanging for centuries in a local almshouse was identified as a 15th-century Flemish masterpiece worth up to £3.5 million.
A Hidden Treasure Revealed
The stunning triptych, which depicts the five miracles of Christ, was taken down from the chapel of St John’s Almshouse in Sherborne while the building underwent essential renovations. For security, the trustees sent the piece to the auction house Sotheby's in London, who then offered to conduct further research into its origins.
What followed was an eight-month investigation by a team of world-renowned experts. Using advanced scientific methods like dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) and infrared reflectology, they made a stunning conclusion. The panelled artwork was crafted from East Baltic oak between 1480 and 1490 in Brussels by an as-yet-unknown Flemish artist.
From Humble Chapel to Multi-Million Pound Artwork
The artwork, which is an impressive 8 feet wide and 3 feet tall, has been housed at the Almshouse of Saint John the Evangelist and John the Baptist since before the Protestant Reformation. The almshouse itself has a rich history, having received its royal charter from King Henry VI in 1437.
Its survival is considered exceptionally rare. A spokesperson for Sotheby's explained that the triptych's preservation through events like the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the Puritan Iconoclasm is a minor miracle in itself. The piece was deliberately concealed within the almshouse during the turbulent 16th century to keep it safe from destruction.
A New Chapter: Funding Social Housing
While the discovery of its true value is a cause for celebration, the almshouse trustees have made the pragmatic decision to sell the piece. Mike Burks, one of the trustees, admitted that while they knew the triptych was valuable, the final valuation of £2.5 million to £3.5 million was beyond their expectations.
The almshouse simply cannot afford the enormous ongoing insurance and security costs required to keep such a valuable artefact. Therefore, the entire proceeds from the sale will be used to fund social housing projects in Sherborne. If the triptych achieves its estimated price at the Sotheby's auction on 3rd December, it could fund the creation of six new accommodation units, providing a lasting legacy for the community.
This extraordinary find proves that sometimes, the greatest treasures are hidden in plain sight, and their value can extend far beyond the art market to directly support those in need.
