MYSTERIES surrounding a historic work of art housed at Sherborne’s St John’s Almshouse Chapel are being investigated by experts.

The three-panelled triptych, from the altar, has been removed as building work takes place at the site to convert the space into a tea room.

Now, as a result, experts have travelled from London to appraise the piece, which is shrouded in mystery.

It was created by an so-far unknown artist, with debate surrounding when it was produced and if it is Flemish or French.

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Richard Hunt, chair of the Almshouse Trustees, said: “The painting was moved to keep it safe and out of harm’s way during the building work that is currently ongoing, and that is why we have taken the opportunity to find out more about it.”

The triptych depicts five miracles of Christ including the raising of Lazarus in the central panel.

“The artwork has been dated on stylistic grounds to the late 1400s,” Richard said. “There is some debate over whether it is Flemish or French and the artist is unknown. We are hoping that expert analysis will help us to fill in some of the blanks.

Richard Hunt, Chair of St Johns’ Almshouse Trustees

“Once we know more about the origins and attribution, and, also have an assessment of the value of the painting, we can then consider its future.”

The work at the Almshouse is part of a new collaboration involving the Almshouse and Sherborne Abbey, announced last year, which will see some rooms re-modelled to enable affordable independent living for people from the area, while the Abbey will use downstairs space for a traditional tearoom and a suite of rooms upstairs to provide a support centre for young people and separate space for community projects.