One of the UK’s newest art and performance destinations The Sherborne in Dorset has appointed its first CEO, Liz Gilmore who currently leads Hastings Contemporary in East Sussex.
Gilmore, one of the most respected figures in the UK art world, will take up the post in March next year. She has led Hastings Contemporary (previously Jerwood Gallery) for 14 years and has established the gallery’s reputation nationally as a leading innovator of artistic interpretation and engagement. Gilmore previously held roles at Arts Council England and The National Gallery.
The Sherborne is a Grade I listed Georgian house. Thanks to the extraordinary drive and generosity of the late Michael Cannon The Sherborne underwent a major transformation and reopened in spring 2024 with new gallery, performance and visitor spaces. The Sherborne’s mission is to inspire regional, national, and international audiences with a diverse artistic and cultural programme encompassing visual and performance art, cross-arts, community and education projects.
Liz Gilmore said:
“I am thrilled to be taking on this new role and all the opportunity it brings to create a new and inspirational artistic programme, blending The Sherborne’s ambitions for excellence, participation, creativity, learning and enjoyment.
The meticulous restoration of the stunning Sherborne House and the creation of new gallery, performance and visitor spaces has been an act of love, driven by an expansive, generous and inclusive vision of the difference the arts can make in contemporary life and communities.
I have been inspired already by the energy, enthusiasm and commitment of the whole team, from volunteers and staff through to the Board and the enduring support of Michael and Sally Cannon who created such a wonderful vision for the Sherborne. Together they have created truly magnificent pathways to new types of programming and engagement in this vibrant landmark setting and I greatly look forward to working with the team and many partners to realise The Sherborne’s potential as a leading and unique artistic destination.”
Sir Robert Fry, Chair of the Sherborne House Trust said:
“We are absolutely delighted that Liz will be joining us. After an outstandingly successful period at Hastings Contemporary, she will bring invaluable experience as well as the flair and energy she is known for in the arts world. Liz’s appointment reflects the level of ambition we have for The Sherborne and its role as a centre of artistic excellence and a vibrant creative and community hub.”
Sally Cannon said:
“Michael devoted the final years of his life to saving Sherborne House for the local community. In Liz Gilmore I know we have found an inspirational leader who will make Michael’s vision a reality and go on to achieve things he had not imagined possible. This is an appointment with huge personal meaning for me and my family and I am delighted to welcome Liz to The Sherborne.”
From her tenure at Hastings Contemporary Gilmore is known for her adventurous programming, particularly championing women and marginalised artists and communities, and her trail blazing partnerships. She curated the venue’s inaugural show, Rose Wylie’s Big Boys Sit in the Front (2012) which represented the 76-year old’s first major institutional show.
She is passionate about commissioning programmes that are locally relevant whilst capturing the national mood, with shows including Hastings brothers Jake and Dinos Chapman’s In the Realm of the Unmentionable (2014-15) which was nominated for a Museums & Heritage Award and Sir Quentin Blake’s We Live in Worrying Times 2020.
Other landmark exhibitions headed by Gilmore which have attracted national critical acclaim include: Dame Paula Rego The Boy Who Loved the Sea and Other Stories (2017), Victor Willing Visions (2019), Keith Tyson Turn Back Now (2017), Barbara Walker Vanishing Point (2018-19) and a Project Art Works Ignition residency (2021), with Walker and the Project Art Works collective going on to be nominated for the Turner Prize. Exhibitions made possible by a vibrant programme of public and commercial gallery partnerships include Soutine : Kossoff 2023, Yun Hyong-keun and Nengi Omuku, The Dance of the People and the Natural World 2023/4.
Gilmore has an established reputation for innovation with Hastings Contemporary playing a leading role in the South East tourism initiative, the Coastal Culture Trail and being the first gallery to offer robot tours and licenced to tattoo. Henry Krokatsis’ Kabin (2018) hosted the first fully functioning sauna in a public gallery and with Lakwena Maciver’s Jump (2022) she transformed the gallery into a basketball court.
About
The Sherborne is a heritage landmark, situated in the thriving Dorset town of Sherborne, now reborn as a leading destination for arts, events and the community. After more than 30 years of unsuccessful revival attempts, this Grade I listed Georgian house reopened in spring 2024 after extensive restoration led by heritage architects and craftspeople, taking The Sherborne off the Historic England Heritage at Risk register. The Sherborne now offers beautiful sculpture gardens, the historic Thornhill mural, a variety of exhibitions and Macready’s, a bar and restaurant serving locally sourced food. @thesherborne
