Gainsborough’s House opens the doors on its new galleries

Gainsborough’s House reopened to the public on 21st November, showcasing a remarkable transformation of this historic Sudbury town centre site.

Artelia’s Heritage Project Management team were delighted to have delivered the £10m restoration, refurbishment and remodelling of this Grade 1 listed site, the childhood home of 18^th-century painter Thomas Gainsborough, which is now the largest gallery in Suffolk.

The project was supported by a £5m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and comprises a new three-storey building, designed in locally made brick and flint, housing a new entrance and four galleries. The scheme has also included the restoration of the beautiful late medieval, Georgian and Regency townhouse.

The opening displays will present the world’s most comprehensive collection of Gainsborough’s work, telling the full story of the artist’s life and work, as well as showcasing the widespread influence he had on his contemporaries and succeeding generations.

Mark Bills, director of Gainsborough’s House, said: “The physical transformation of Gainsborough’s House will fundamentally change this historic site, enabling it to become an international centre for Thomas Gainsborough and a cultural hub in the heart of East Anglia, all within the unique environment of the artist’s birthplace and home.”