Art Gallery at Athelhampton House & Gardens
Tucked within the historic East Wing, the Art Gallery at Athelhampton offers a changing programme of exhibitions as part of your visit to one of Dorset’s finest historic houses.
Alongside exploring over 20 rooms of the house and five acres of award-winning gardens, visitors can discover a light-filled gallery space on the second floor, where contemporary and architectural works are displayed against the backdrop of the house’s long history.
The gallery occupies the former Servants’ quarters and has been thoughtfully adapted to provide space for over 60 artworks. Its four large windows look out across the gardens, creating a calm and reflective setting that rewards those who take the time to explore a little further.
Admission to the gallery is included with standard entry to Athelhampton House and its gardens, making it a natural extension of the visit. For those with a particular interest in art, occasional gallery-only viewings are also available.
Throughout the year, a changing programme of artists ensures there is always something new to see, adding another dimension to a visit to Dorchester and the surrounding Dorset countryside.
Artworks are for sale by the artist through Athelhampton. If you make a purchase, your admission is refunded.
In the East Wing Gallery
Sarah Jayne Jefferies
July 1st to June 31st 2026
Sarah Jayne Jefferies is a versatile contemporary artist based in Dorchester, whose vibrant mixed media paintings are deeply inspired by the landscapes, seasons, and changing weather of the Dorset coast and countryside. Working primarily in acrylic, Sarah combines a wide range of materials and techniques, including spray paint, wax, pastel, charcoal, ink, dye, gold leaf, oil sticks, and illustrative pens, creating richly layered abstract compositions full of energy, movement, and texture.
Sarah describes herself as enjoying “the power of colour”, often pairing “bright neon tones with dark moody skies” or incorporating metallic elements to create drama and contrast within her work. Her paintings are known for their striking colour combinations, expressive mark making, and playful use of materials, whether exploring contemporary abstract landscapes or vibrant botanical still life studies.
Fascinated by England’s seasons and the ever changing light across the Dorset landscape, particularly approaching storms and dramatic skies, Sarah uses colour and layered media to evoke atmosphere and emotion. Her still life works similarly celebrate the “quirks” of natural forms through lively compositions and bold, contemporary abstraction.
