Almshouse in Dorset discovers its 15th-century Flemish triptych is worth 3.5m

"Sotheby's in London offered to do some research on the triptych in an attempt to date it and identify the artist. Eight world-renowned experts analysed it using scientific methods including dendrochronology, which is the dating of tree rings, and infrared reflectography. They concluded the triptych was fashioned from East Baltic oak between 1480 and 1490 in Brussels by an unknown Flemish artist."

"Due to its rarity and quality, the 8ft wide, 3ft high oil and gold on panel triptych has been valued at 2.5m to 3.5m. St John's Almshouse said it cannot afford the insurance and security costs so it is putting the triptych up for sale, with the proceeds to be spent on supporting various projects to fund social housing in the Dorset market town. If the triptych performs to expectations at auction, it could fund six new accommodation units."

"The panelled artwork, displaying the five miracles of Christ, has been housed at the Almshouse of Saint John the Evangelist and John the Baptist, in Sherborne, Dorset, since before the Reformation. The trustees asked an auction house to safeguard the altarpiece for security reasons while the almshouse underwent renovations. The triptych is 8ft wide and 3ft tall. The Sherborne almshouse, which is dedicated to Saints John the Evangelist and John the Baptist, received its royal charter from King Henry VI in 1437."

The panelled triptych depicting the five miracles of Christ has hung in the Almshouse of Saint John the Evangelist and John the Baptist in Sherborne, Dorset, since before the Reformation. Sotheby's researchers and eight experts used dendrochronology and infrared reflectography and concluded the panels were fashioned from East Baltic oak in Brussels between 1480 and 1490 by an unknown Flemish artist. The oil and gold on panel work measures 8ft by 3ft and is valued at 2.5m to 3.5m. St John's Almshouse cannot afford insurance and security, so trustees will sell the triptych and apply proceeds to fund social housing projects, potentially creating six new accommodation units.

Read at www.theguardian.com