‘Shell’ of a house ‘listed’ at Grade I by Margaret Hodge

086/2008
15 August 2008

The unusual step of listing a building at Grade I was taken by Culture Minister Margaret Hodge, as she listed The Shell House in Sherborne, Dorset.

The Shell House, now situated within the grounds of Sherborne School, is beautifully decorated with shells which are all believed to be native to the British Isles, with the majority coming from the local Dorset coast.  Constructed in the mid-18th century, it is thought to have been adapted from an existing dovecote.

Margaret Hodge said:

“The Shell House in Sherborne is an exquisite, early example of a shell house dating from the mid-18th century. 

“I am delighted we can properly protect this marvellous house at the highest level.  What’s also fantastic about this house is that, in common with other shell houses of the period, the intricate decoration was more than likely created by the ladies of the house, perhaps explaining the delicate designs that adorn the walls and ceiling.

“This house is a great example of British craftsmanship – or crafts-womanship, if you like – at its best, and I am extremely pleased to be granting this particular jewel its very special Grade I listed status.“

The history of Shell House is particularly intriguing.  It is still not known who commissioned it and the garden to which it is attached has, over the centuries, belonged to properties in three different streets.  It has been owned by Sherborne School since 1931.  The building was deteriorating badly until being carefully and sensitively restored in 2003 by the School, with help from the Dorset Gardens Trust.

The exterior of the house is circular and constructed from coursed limestone rubble, topped by a thatched roof.  The interior is octagonal, with a vaulted undercroft, and is entered through a pair of part-glazed double doors which make up one of the eight sides of the room.

The domed ceiling is similarly divided into eight panels, separated by alternate blue and gold ribs.   Each of the seven alcoves has a shaped timber seat and is decorated with a different shell pattern.  There are geometric designs as well as classically-inspired motifs.  The walls between the alcoves are plastered with lime mortar mixed with crushed shell and glass which shimmers in the light.

One of the house’s most distinctive features is the abundance of flowers made from tiny shells, glued to cork discs and fixed to copper wire bound with green thread.  These flowers trail around the ceiling panels, the edges of the alcoves and, together with ‘ribbons’ and ‘leaves’ of thin, painted lead, make up decorative swags above each alcove.  Other details include an elaborate blue and green plaster frieze; the remains of a shell owl; a pair of ornamental birds on rococo scrolled brackets and an intricate flower basket.  The shell work is of extremely high quality, with the shells perfectly matched.  They present a range of delicate colours with varying degrees of iridescence, giving the interior a magical, jewel-like quality.

Notes to editors

  1. For more information please visit the listing section on the DCMS website.  
  2. Access to the Shell House is strictly by appointment only.  For further information please contact the number below.
  3. The main purpose of listing a building is to ensure that care will be taken over decisions affecting its future, that any alterations respect the particular character and interest of the building, and that the case for its preservation is taken fully into account in considering the merits of any redevelopment proposals.
  4. Further details of English Heritage's recommendations can be obtained from Historic Environment Designation Branch, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH.

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