Gainsborough's House is a typical example of Suffolk vernacular architecture.
Constructed from a timber frame with wattle and daub in-fill, two cottages were joined in about 1520. Since then the house has undergone considerable modifications and additions, including the addition of a brick facade built in the 1720s by the artist's father.
For most of its life the house has been a private residence, although it was converted into a small hotel in the 1920s.In 1958, the property was purchased and restored by Gainsborough's House Society and was opened as a privately-funded museum in 1961.
It is not known exactly when Gainsborough's family first occupied the house but we do know that they eventually sold it to Peter James Bennett in 1792. In 1735, following the bankruptcy of the artist's father, the house was purchased by a rich cousin of the artist thus providing the family with security of tenure. The Aubrey Herbert Room (the first room on the first floor) is believed to be the room in which the artist was born.
The Entrance Hall
The timbering was only uncovered during the restoration of the late 1950s. The door nearest the front of the building is the most importance feature though it may not be in its original position. The Entrance Hall now houses the reception and shop. All proceeds from sales go towards the expenses of the house.The Passageway
Originally the Passageway ran between two small houses which had gables facing the street. They were joined to make a larger dwelling in about 1520.The Parlour
The soffit tenon joins of the fine ceiling enable us to date it to between 1500 and 1520. The elaborate timbering shows that the House was the owned by someone of considerable standing. The corner cupboard is decorated with a rare wall painting of a sheel with a cherub's head superimposed. It dates from about 1700. Gothic detailing above the cabinet and door were part of the alterations in the 1790s. This room contains works from Gainsborough's Suffolk period (up to 1759).The Gallery
The eastern half of the Gallery was the site of the kitchen. The western half was part of the additions in the 1790s. The Gallery is used for temporary exhibitions, many of which include works for sale. If you would like to purchase please enquire at reception. Access and Visa are accepted.
The Stairway
The location of the staircase may not have changed from 1520 though the present stairs date from the 1790s. They are hung with engravings after Gainsborough's drawings and portraits of the artist's cousins, one of whom purchased the House in 1735 from the artist's father.
The Aubrey Herbert Room
This room is named after one of the founder trustees of Gainsborough's House Society. A section of wattle and daub is displayed behind a framed letter to the right of the entrance door. Gainsborough's work in Bath (1759-74) is shown in this room.The London-period Room
The two houses which were joined together had a common roof added in about 1520. The original roof line is shown by the horizontal beam in the end wall and in the wall opposite the windows. It corresponds with the height of the beam on the part wall in the Aubrey Herbert Room. The Chimney-piece dates from about 1790, and was altered about fifty years later. This room contains work Gainsborough produced at the end of his life (1774-88).The Weaving Room
This room has large north-facing windows with many small panes which give a strong, even light to facilitate weaving. The large bracing beam facing the windows may describe the width of one of the pre-1520 houses. Thehinges on the cupboard door in the lobby suggest this part of the building was reconstructed in the early eighteenth century. This room now houses temporary exhibitions.
The Upper Bow Room
The Staircase and Bow Rooms were added soon after 1792 when the House was purchased from the Gainsborough family by Peter James Bennett. A display of paintings by Gainsborough Dupont (Thomas Gainsborough's nephew, apprentice and assistant) is shown here.
The Library
This room may well have been added in the early nineteenth century as a work room. The collection of books, photographs and manuscripts is available to students by appointment.
The Garden
In the Garden there is a black mulberry which was planted about 1610. Summer exhibitions of sculpture are held here.
The Print Workshop
The coach-house was built in 1928; it was converted for use as a Print Workshop in 1977 and refurbished, with the help of Lottery funding, in 1997. There are courses throughout the year in a variety of printmaking techniques. Information about these courses and membership of the Workshop is available here.
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