Discover

Explore the art, architecture, and stories that shape The Sherborne’s character.

Interior of a historic building with ornate woodwork, a partially open door leading to another room, a painting on the wall depicting mythological figures, and decorative elements such as gold accents and a patterned carpet.

Where history meets imagination.
The Sherborne’s story is etched into every wall and window — a place where centuries of craftsmanship meet today’s creative spirit. Once a house of quiet grandeur, it now hums with artistic life: exhibitions, performances, and installations that reimagine how heritage can be lived, not just preserved.

Our collections and displays trace a dialogue between the past and the present — from the fine detail of carved stone to contemporary works that challenge and delight. Visitors are invited to explore at their own pace, to notice the interplay between light, texture, and time

Art & Heritage

A large, three-story historic building with a stone facade, multiple windows, and classical architectural details, surrounded by a lawn and some bushes.
Black and white portrait of a man with a beard and curly hair, resting his chin on his hand, dressed in old-fashioned clothing.

The Sherborne Story

Behind The Sherborne’s Georgian façade lies a story stretching back more than 800 years. From its early life as a medieval grange to the grand vision of Sir Henry Seymour Portman in the 1720s, the house has always been a place of ambition, artistry, and reinvention.

Each chapter has left its mark: the elegance of Georgian design, the echoes of school life under Lord Digby’s School, and the vibrant cultural conversations once hosted by William Charles Macready, whose guests included Charles Dickens and Robert Browning.

In 2018, Michael and Sally Cannon began a new chapter, rescuing the house from dereliction and restoring it with extraordinary care. Today, The Sherborne stands as a living museum of craftsmanship and creativity — a place to celebrate the past while inspiring the future.

A Living Heritage

Room with classical-style wall paintings depicting historical or mythological scenes, featuring people, a dog, and a woman with a clock, all framed by ornate gold accents and decorative elements.

The Sherborne’s walls tell stories—none more striking than Sir James Thornhill’s Caledonian Boar Hunt mural, which bursts to life above the stair hall. Painted around 1720, this extraordinary Baroque work depicts the goddess Diana and the heroic hunt, capturing both power and grace.

Thornhill, whose brush also graces St Paul’s Cathedral and the Painted Hall at Greenwich, transforms Sherborne House into a mythic stage where light, colour, and storytelling converge. Lovingly restored, this mural is now one of the only publicly accessible Thornhill works in the South West, embodying the building’s rich history while inspiring the vibrant cultural programme we host today.

Visitors can enjoy the mural freely or explore its history, symbolism, and meticulous conservation on a bookable Heritage Tour.

✨ Learn more about Thornhill’s legacy.

A detailed painting of a woman with flowing hair, dressed in classical attire, with gold decorative elements around her, including laurel leaves and circular motifs.

  • Stonewood Builders, SPASE Design, and Historic England collaborated to restore and extend the Grade I listed mansion.

  • The glulam timber and copper-roofed pavilion offers flexible, awe-inspiring spaces for up to 250 guests.

  • Eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and local suppliers reduce the project’s environmental impact.