What is the St Johns' Almshouse triptych painting?

It is an exceptionally rare 15th-century triptych painting that the Dorset Museum is trying to acquire.

Why does the Dorset Museum need £3.5 million?

The museum needs £3.5 million to purchase the rare triptych painting before its auction to keep it in the country.

When is the triptych painting due to be auctioned?

The valuable 15th-century triptych painting is scheduled to be auctioned in December.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Museum Races to Save Rare £3.5M Triptych

Museum Races to Save Rare £3.5M Triptych

21 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

A rare 15th-century triptych painting is facing auction in December.
The museum needs to raise £3.5 million to prevent its sale.
Export deferral sought to allow time for fundraising efforts.

Museum Races to Save Rare £3.5M Triptych

A significant 15th-century triptych painting is at the center of an urgent fundraising campaign, with an auction looming in December. Sotheby's valued the exceptionally rare piece when it was moved for safekeeping during renovations.

The charity associated with St Johns' Almshouse in Sherborne, Dorset, has decided to sell the altarpiece to generate funds for much-needed accommodation for people facing hardship.

Now, Dorset Museum is actively seeking a temporary export deferral. This crucial pause would grant them additional time to raise the £3.5 million required to acquire the artwork and ensure its continued public display within the country.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.