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, 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
Cecil Thomas MBE FRBS and Gilbert Bayes FRBS: their work as medallists
Join us for 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 will consider the work as medallists of both Cecil and Gilbert Bayes FRBS whose Trust supports the Society's Gilbert Bayes Award for early career sculptors.
International Sculpture Day
To mark International Sculpture Day 2026, we have organised a panel discussion that will explore the positive impact of artist residencies with a particular focus on mid-career artists. The panel will be chaired by Matthias Persson, Artist Residencies Director at the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation, who is also a practising artist.
"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. Member-exclusive residencies are opening very soon, watch this space!
Thank you to our supporters
We are working to raise £1m to complete this project and are hugely grateful to the funders already on board, including:
Garfield Weston Foundation
Mirisch & Lebenheim Charitable Foundation
Constance Fund
Foyle Foundation
Backstage Trust
Henry Moore Foundation
National Manuscripts Conservation Trust
Each and every donation makes the world of difference and is gratefully received.