An unusual and elegant joining of two old fashioned properties from the 1500's made this an attractive home for the Gainsborough family when it was developed by John Gainsborough in 1723 and it was he who added the handsome Georgian facade to the front of the building. John, was the father of one of England's greatest painters Thomas Gainsborough who was born at the house in 1727, and it is here that he grew up. It was to remain the family home for many years.
In the 1890's the house was sold to a local builder who sold parts of it off. Thus, the house has a bit of a chequered history, including being used as a hotel. Finally, it was bought by the Gainsborough House Society, who restored it back to its former glory and opened it to the public in 1961.
The house has a delightful, thoroughly English feel. It is furnished after the style of the period and shows fine collections of Gainsborough's paintings, and some of his personal belongings, and perhaps this is what gives the house its special "lived in" feel. On display are works by Constable, William Henry Bunbury, and many other eminent artists.
There are changing exhibitions, events and lecture courses held throughout the year. There is also a print workshop, an open-access studio for anyone who is interested in print-making. A charming garden completes this pleasant atmospheric house which is open to the public all year round.
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