Preserving Gainsborough: Help us care for our Collection

An image of two young people admiring the Gainsborough's House collection display.

Here at Gainsborough’s House, we’re proud to be the birthplace of one of Britain’s greatest painters, Thomas Gainsborough (1727–88).

But we’re more than just that—we’re a living, breathing space where art connects us, inspires us, and tells stories that have shaped our world.

Today, we’re asking for your help.

We need to raise £8,000 to ensure our art store continues to protect these treasures for generations to come. While it may not be the most glamorous part of the museum, our art store is the heart of what we do. Every masterpiece you admire, every story you hear—these depend on the care and security of this behind-the-scenes space.

So far, we have been successful in our request for funding from the Pilgrim Trust and Association for Independent Museums and have been granted £10,000 towards this project—we need your help to match this funding. This project, amongst many others initiated at Gainsborough’s House, highlights the challenges we face as an independent charity whose funding is completely self-sourced.

You’ll not only be protecting Gainsborough’s legacy—you’ll be helping us open the doors wider, ensuring the Gainsborough’s House collection is a space for everyone.

Why Your Support Matters

Behind the scenes, an essential part of our mission lies in safeguarding our extraordinary collection. The art store houses not just Gainsborough’s works but those of Cedric Morris, John Constable, Henry William Bunbury, Hubert-François Gravelot, and many others who’ve left an indelible mark on history.

It will enable us to keep artworks accessible for researchers through our Livanos Study Room and to rotate our displays; bringing more and more of our collections out onto display for everyone to enjoy.

Your donation ensures:

  • Climate control systems to keep art stable and safe from decay.
  • Specialist storage solutions to prevent damage to fragile pieces.
  • Access for future generations—because everyone deserves to experience the beauty and history held within our walls.
An image of two people looking at displayed works of art. Prints by Henry William Bunbury.

How You Can Help

For just £25, you can sponsor the future of a masterpiece.

Every pound makes a tangible difference:

  • £25 helps maintain secure storage for one artwork for a month.
  • £50 contributes towards essential training for the care and display of our collections.
  • £350 funds a specialist conservator for one day of vital care.

Don’t forget… every little helps! We really appreciate donations of any size; if you can spare a few pounds to help our cause we will be most grateful.

Join Us in Changing Perceptions

We know some people think that art collections are off-limits, but we’re committed to breaking down those barriers. Gainsborough’s House isn’t just for art lovers—it’s for everyone who values creativity, history, and the power of storytelling. Your support helps us grow as a welcoming and inclusive space, where all voices are heard.

Together, We’ll Build a Lasting Legacy

Every donation, no matter the size, is a step toward securing the future of Gainsborough’s House. Let’s work together to protect not only these irreplaceable works of art but also the stories they tell.

Donate today to keep Gainsborough’s House alive.

A Legacy of Community Support

You might remember our hugely successful Buy a Brick campaign during our redevelopment project. Thanks to your incredible generosity, hundreds of bricks were sponsored, helping us build the modern facilities we have today. That campaign wasn’t just about construction—it was about community. It showed us how much Gainsborough’s House means to you. Now, we’re inviting you to continue that legacy.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. You’re not just a supporter—you’re a guardian of history, art, and the creative spirit that unites us all.

Let’s protect the masterpieces that define us.