A Masterpiece in Sherborne

Interior corner of a room decorated with classical style paintings, including a large painting of a group of people and a woman with a dog on the left, and a red-draped figure of a woman or angel on the right, with an ornate ceiling featuring cherub and divine figures.

Sir James Thornhill’s magnificent mural.

A defining feature of the building’s rich heritage.

The Artist: Sir James Thornhill

Sir James Thornhill (1675–1734) was renowned for his large-scale decorative works, including the Painted Hall at Greenwich and the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. His mural at The Sherborne is a rare example of his artistry in a domestic setting, blending grandeur, narrative storytelling, and technical brilliance.

A Living Legacy

Preserved with care, the mural is more than a static work of art. It serves as a backdrop for our exhibitions, events, and community programmes—reminding visitors that heritage and contemporary creativity can exist side by side.

Whether you’re visiting for a performance, a concert, a workshop, or simply to admire the art, the Thornhill mural offers a moment of reflection, beauty, and inspiration.

Visiting the Mural

Located at the heart of the Georgian House at The Sherborne

  • Open during public opening hours

  • Guided tours available on request for groups or schools

  • Photography allowed for personal use (please check for event restrictions)

A classical painting of a woman in armor riding a white horse, holding a spear, with a flowing cloak, in a dynamic pose.
A corner of a room featuring a classical-style painting of children and a wooden wainscot wall near a window.
Close-up of ornate decorative wall molding with gold-colored floral and leaf patterns, adjacent to a dark wooden column with intricate carvings in a classical interior setting.
Interior of an ornate room with large frescoes and paintings on the walls and ceiling, featuring classical and mythological scenes, along with wooden structural elements like stairs and moldings.
Interior of a room with classical paintings and ornate decorative elements, including a mural showing a mythological or historical scene with multiple figures, and a large curtain with a winged figure on the wall beside a window.
Baroque ceiling painting depicting mythological or religious scene with gods, cherubs, and angels, featuring clouds, drapery, and gold decorative elements.
A classical oil painting of a woman with flowing hair, seated with one arm raised and the other holding a laurel branch, surrounded by gold decorative details and objects.
A classical-style painting depicting a woman with brown hair seated on a rock, receiving a scroll from a standing woman dressed in a Roman attire with a red cloak, surrounded by other women and soldiers in armor, set in a natural outdoor environment.
A staircase with wooden banisters and a patterned carpet leading upstairs, with detailed mural paintings of cherubs and classical scenes on the wall.
A classical painting depicting a bearded man with wings lying down, and a chubby young child holding flowers, with the scene set against a dark, textured background.
A classical oil painting depicting a dynamic scene with armored figures, a woman, a dog, and a fallen man, set against a dark background.
Interior of a historic building with ornate woodwork, gold accents, a large painting depicting mythological figures, and open double doors leading to another room. The room has carpeted floors and purple walls with gold-patterned wallpaper.
A grand room with a richly painted ceiling depicting mythological figures and scenes, framed with ornate golden borders, with a large staircase and classical sculptures.
Interior view of a historic building with ornate ceiling murals, a large stained glass window, and a wooden staircase with detailed railings.