England
Suffolk

Gainsborough's House

This unobstrusive red brick building is the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, one of the most influential British artists of his generation. The facade of the house may be deceiving, as the brick was added to a much older timber framed building by Gainsborough's father, John, in about 1720. The actual structure is timberframe with wattle and daub infill. The house was originally two separate cottages, but these were joined together in the early 16th century.

Gainsborough's House features the largest collection in the world of the artist's paintings, drawings, prints, and sketches. Highlights of the collection include Wooded Landscape with Cattle by a Pool, 1782, and Portrait of Abel Moysey M.P. 1771, among many other works. In addition, there is an extensive collection of works by other artists on subjects related to Gainsborough, the house, or to Sudbury.

The relatively narrow frontage of the house belies the extensive gardens to the rear of the house, where summer sculpture exhibitions are held. Also in the gardens is a mulberry tree believed to be over 400 years old. At the back of the garden is a printmaking workshop, which is available for use upon payment of an annual fee.

Gainsborough's House is now run by the Gainsborough's House Society, a registered charity

Admission
Fee charged. Open daily, except for Good Friday, and Christmas to New Year.

Accessibility
Wheelchair access to ground floor only. Accessible toilet available.

Address
Gainsborough's House
46 Gainsborough Street
Sudbury
Suffolk
CO10 9BA
Telephone 01787 372958
Fax 01787 376991
website
Location map

Related:
East Anglia