Year of the Home | Royal Society of Sculptors

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.

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Black and white photo of Cecil Thomas working on a sculpture

Cecil's life, captured on film

Black and white photo of Cecil and Dora on their wedding day

Black and white photo of mother and son outside Dora House

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."

Woman working with clay sculpture of people

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.

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