50 Years at Dora House
During its lifetime, this uniquely creative space has been both a home and a studio for sculptors, photographers, painters, architects, and designers alike. Gifted to the Society half a century ago, it became the sanctuary we had long been searching for, making this year’s theme perfectly fitting.
Meet Our Benefactor
Cecil Thomas OBE FRBS, who generously bequeathed us Dora House (named in memory of his late wife) upon his death in 1976, made contributions to the world of sculpture and wider society that extend far beyond this incredible gift. Dubbed the 'Soldier Sculptor,' his work and writings were vastly influential. Find out more about his fascinating story below.
Discover Year of the Home Events
JOIN US: What Does Home Mean to You? with Arpita Shah
Come along on Sunday 20 September to our creative workshop exploring the meaning of home at Dora House with artist Arpita Shah.
We invite visitors to write, draw, or describe the meaning of ‘home on a tag, then tie it onto our community home installation using colourful ribbons.
Drop in, enjoy tea, juice, biscuits, and meaningful stories together.
WATCH: Cecil Thomas OBE FRBS and Gilbert Bayes FRBS: their work as medallists
Watch a talk by Philip Attwood FSA, Honorary Research Fellow at the British Museum, who worked in the Department of Coins and Medals from 1979 until 2020, serving as Keeper of Coins and Medals from 2010. Philip considered the work as medallists of both Cecil Thomas OBE FRBS who set up the Dora House Trust in memory of his late wife to bequeath the house to the Society and Gilbert Bayes FRBS whose Trust supports the Society's Gilbert Bayes Award for early career sculptors.
WATCH: International Sculpture Day Panel Discussion
To mark International Sculpture Day 2026, a panel discussion feat. Susie MacMurray FRSS and Julian Wild FRSS and chaired by Matthias Persson, Artist Residencies Director at the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation, explored the positive impact of artist residencies with a particular focus on mid-career artists.
"Dora House is a uniquely sheltering, homely, safe place for sculptors and was given specifically for this purpose.”
Julie Brixey-Williams MRSS
What are your memories of Dora House?
Help bring the story of Dora House to life by sharing your treasured memories from within its walls, and telling us what home means to you, here.
Diane Maclean FRSS
"Exhibiting at No.108 was always a communal affair. Everyone joined in, placing exhibits, finding plinths, even painting the walls."
Diana Whelan MRSS
"The AGM in 1975 or so when Cecil Thomas was thanked for donating Dora House to the Society. He was sitting in the hall surrounded by members, beaming happily and enjoying the buzz."
Jane Morgan MRSS
"Walls that have listened for 50 years, cradling shadows and bronze alike"
Creating a Home for Sculptors
Follow the transformation of the once-derelict Dora House basement into a self-contained one-bedroom flat and studio for visiting artists, plus a dedicated home for our nationally important archive.
Thank you to our supporters
In these challenging times we are proud to have raised the £1million needed from trusts, foundations and private donors.
The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust
Architectural Heritage Fund
Backstage Trust
Bridget Riley Art Foundation
Charlotte Bonham-Carter Charitable Trust
Constance Fund
Finnis Scott Foundation
Foyle Foundation
Garfield Weston Foundation
The Golsoncott Foundation
Nicholas and Judith Goodison's Charitable Settlement
The Mallinckrodt Foundation
Mirisch & Lebenheim Charitable Foundation
Henry Moore Foundation
National Manuscripts Conservation Trust
The Pennycress Trust
The Pilgrim Trust
The Porthmeor Fund
Barrie Roman and Henry Richardson
The Woolbeding Charity
And to those donors who wish to remain anonymous.
Each and every donation makes the world of difference and is gratefully received.