Gainsborough's House in Sudbury set to close this weekend for 18 months to allow work on ambitious National Centre project

A museum in Sudbury, which is dedicated to the town’s most renowned artist, is preparing to shut it doors to visitors for 18 months, while work on an ambitious regeneration project begins.

Gainsborough’s House will close to the public on Sunday, before moving into an information point next door to allow for building work on the new National Centre for Thomas Gainsborough to take place.

The new facility will include a three-storey exhibition and studio space, which is being constructed at the former labour exchange site, as well as a café overlooking the museum’s 18th century garden.

The museum owns the largest art collection by the 18th century painter, but, due to its current limited space, is unable to showcase all of his full-length paintings.

Additional space at the new centre, however, will enable it to display a greater range of work, while providing a wider choice of learning facilities to maximise the visitor experience.

While work takes place, staff and volunteers will be operating an outlet at 47 Gainsborough Street, seven days a week.

Constructor Thomas Sinden has been appointed to oversee the construction phase of the £9 million expansion project, which has been partly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Welcoming the company, Mark Bills, director of Gainsborough’s House, said: “Gainsborough’s House is delighted to be working with Thomas Sinden on its transformational project to create a national centre for Gainsborough.

“The creation of a new purpose-built three-storey art gallery and the restoration of the artist’s childhood home will draw visitors from around the world.

“We are delighted that work is starting with a company that has such a distinguished track record.”

Graeme Sinden, director of Thomas Sinden, said the company was delighted to have been given a key role.

“We are extremely honoured to be working on such a prestigious and important project,” he said.

“We have extensive experience working on heritage projects, such as St Alban’s Cathedral and Toynbee Hall, and look forward to working closely with the team at Gainsborough’s House to deliver a vibrant, innovative national centre, which will inspire visitors for generations to come.”