Advertisement · 728 × 90

Posts by The Bowes Museum

A museum gallery display with deep red walls shows two mannequins dressed in historical-style tailored garments. One mannequin wears a dark jacket with a row of decorative buttons, while the other wears a blue waistcoat, dark breeches, and a cap with coloured accents. Behind and above them, red shelving holds polished metal armour pieces, including helmets and gauntlets. To the right, a framed black leather doublet is displayed inside an ornate gold frame. The scene is lit by focused exhibition lighting, creating strong contrasts against the red background.

A museum gallery display with deep red walls shows two mannequins dressed in historical-style tailored garments. One mannequin wears a dark jacket with a row of decorative buttons, while the other wears a blue waistcoat, dark breeches, and a cap with coloured accents. Behind and above them, red shelving holds polished metal armour pieces, including helmets and gauntlets. To the right, a framed black leather doublet is displayed inside an ornate gold frame. The scene is lit by focused exhibition lighting, creating strong contrasts against the red background.

🛡️ Time Machine, 1988/89

Inspired by armour in the The Wallace Collection, Vivienne Westwood reimagined structure through fashion.

Articulated sleeves echo armour plates — history in tweed.

👗 See it in Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary

5 days ago 0 0 0 0
Firstly, as a disclaimer, The Bowes Museum is a worthy entrant for a 'Palace' because it looks like one externally and internally. Check it out on the website note at the bottom! Had it not been for the philanthropic efforts of its owners, it could very well have become a stately home. Now that's out of the way, the 'twisted' nature of this, is in its moving parts.This forms part of the waters around the 'Silver Swan', an incredible C18th mechanically-automated creature. It was made in about 1773 and plays a tune each time it 'performs'. Amusingly they never know which of a selection of music is going to be heard each time! Once the mechanism is wound, the swan moves as if it is trying to catch a fish. The 'water' seen on the photograph also moves. It is made up of fine, twisted (there's the twisted bit) glass rods which rotate making the water looks like it is rippling. It 'performs' at least once a day and it pulls quite a crowd. Image shows two 'ponds' with a waterfall of silver leaves and embankments of the same. The water looks like shimmery silver wire (but it isn’t) and leaping out of the water are four small silver fish. A blue light shines down on the water giving it an iridescent look. For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Firstly, as a disclaimer, The Bowes Museum is a worthy entrant for a 'Palace' because it looks like one externally and internally. Check it out on the website note at the bottom! Had it not been for the philanthropic efforts of its owners, it could very well have become a stately home. Now that's out of the way, the 'twisted' nature of this, is in its moving parts.This forms part of the waters around the 'Silver Swan', an incredible C18th mechanically-automated creature. It was made in about 1773 and plays a tune each time it 'performs'. Amusingly they never know which of a selection of music is going to be heard each time! Once the mechanism is wound, the swan moves as if it is trying to catch a fish. The 'water' seen on the photograph also moves. It is made up of fine, twisted (there's the twisted bit) glass rods which rotate making the water looks like it is rippling. It 'performs' at least once a day and it pulls quite a crowd. Image shows two 'ponds' with a waterfall of silver leaves and embankments of the same. The water looks like shimmery silver wire (but it isn’t) and leaping out of the water are four small silver fish. A blue light shines down on the water giving it an iridescent look. For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Twisted Fishing
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #Twisted

'Twisted' info in the alt text.

#EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #TheBowesMuseum #BarnardCastle #CountyDurham #SilverSwan #fish #C18th #mechanicalwonder
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)

1 week ago 58 8 5 1
Portrait of a woman with dark hair styled in a low bun, wearing a blue garment with a white collar, facing away from the viewer.

Portrait of a woman with dark hair styled in a low bun, wearing a blue garment with a white collar, facing away from the viewer.

Two fern leaves, one yellowish and one green, displayed on a textured light gray background.

Two fern leaves, one yellowish and one green, displayed on a textured light gray background.

A winding dirt path lined with tall, leafy trees under a partly cloudy sky with a person walking along it.

A winding dirt path lined with tall, leafy trees under a partly cloudy sky with a person walking along it.

Read about Joséphine Bowes, a French actress who built a world-class art collection for the north of England.

👉 artuk.org/discover/stories/josephi...

🧑‍🎨 Joséphine Bowes (1825–1874) 📷 The Bowes Museum

2 weeks ago 18 6 0 2
A mannequin wears a vibrant red‑and‑orange fur coat draped over a dark garment with a small red bow at the neckline. Around the mannequin’s neck is a prominent metallic choker featuring large block‑letter forms. A historic-style painting forms the backdrop.

A mannequin wears a vibrant red‑and‑orange fur coat draped over a dark garment with a small red bow at the neckline. Around the mannequin’s neck is a prominent metallic choker featuring large block‑letter forms. A historic-style painting forms the backdrop.

A pair of heeled boots is displayed in a glass case. The boots combine black leather with red fabric panels and feature multiple metallic buckles and straps. One boot also has gold-toned lacing running up the front. Reflections of additional footwear, including red platform shoes, are visible in the background.

A pair of heeled boots is displayed in a glass case. The boots combine black leather with red fabric panels and feature multiple metallic buckles and straps. One boot also has gold-toned lacing running up the front. Reflections of additional footwear, including red platform shoes, are visible in the background.

A mannequin is dressed in a leopard‑patterned faux‑fur coat worn over a white shirt with gold buttons. The shirt is slightly unbuttoned at the lower edge, revealing a decorative blue undergarment. Behind the mannequin is a large classical landscape painting.

A mannequin is dressed in a leopard‑patterned faux‑fur coat worn over a white shirt with gold buttons. The shirt is slightly unbuttoned at the lower edge, revealing a decorative blue undergarment. Behind the mannequin is a large classical landscape painting.

A mannequin wearing a blue‑and‑white vertically striped blouse with a ruffled neckline is displayed against a deep red gallery wall. The mannequin’s outfit is accessorised with layered pearl necklaces. Behind the mannequin hang framed portraits in ornate gold frames.

A mannequin wearing a blue‑and‑white vertically striped blouse with a ruffled neckline is displayed against a deep red gallery wall. The mannequin’s outfit is accessorised with layered pearl necklaces. Behind the mannequin hang framed portraits in ornate gold frames.

👑 Your first look:

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary

Our most ambitious Westwood exhibition yet featuring rare pieces from private collections.

Discover calico toiles, deconstructed garments & iconic looks, paired with objects from the collection.

Now open.

3 weeks ago 5 1 1 0
Post image

Had a chance to visit the launch of the latest @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social exhibition during the week. Impressive stuff, and not just for fashionistas. So a slight departure for Talking Northeast this week. Read more at open.substack.com/pub/talkingn...

3 weeks ago 5 2 0 0
A promotional poster for The Bowes Museum’s exhibition “Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary.” The central figure is entirely covered in a towering layered construction of assorted garments in various colours, patterns, and textures, with only bright red tights and shoes visible beneath. The exhibition title appears in bold black and gold text on the left, with the museum’s logo in the top right and the dates “28 March – 6 September 2026” shown below.

A promotional poster for The Bowes Museum’s exhibition “Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary.” The central figure is entirely covered in a towering layered construction of assorted garments in various colours, patterns, and textures, with only bright red tights and shoes visible beneath. The exhibition title appears in bold black and gold text on the left, with the museum’s logo in the top right and the dates “28 March – 6 September 2026” shown below.

👑 Opening this week:

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary

Our most ambitious Westwood exhibition yet, exploring the fusion of rebellion and tradition.

Developed with Peter Smithson & private collectors.

4 weeks ago 3 0 0 0
A group of children stand around a craft table in a bright, spacious room with large arched windows. Two adults lead the activity, demonstrating materials on the table. The room is filled with colourful paper creations, scissors, pens, baskets, and art supplies displayed on nearby tables and easels.

A group of children stand around a craft table in a bright, spacious room with large arched windows. Two adults lead the activity, demonstrating materials on the table. The room is filled with colourful paper creations, scissors, pens, baskets, and art supplies displayed on nearby tables and easels.

📚 Teacher CPD

Join us on Zoom, 26 March, for a specialist session exploring how artworks, artefacts and museum stories can bring local history to life in the classroom.

Focusing on the North East of England.

Learn more & book:
thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/bri...

1 month ago 2 1 0 0
Advertisement

Congratulations to all the other organisations shortlisted alongside us. 👏

1 month ago 0 0 0 0

Using the museum’s collection as inspiration, the project supported participants to build creative confidence, literacy skills and meaningful connections with their peers, families and communities.

1 month ago 0 0 1 0

Together, more than 15 learners created a zine and soundscape capturing their “unheard voices” – voices they feel are often overlooked.

1 month ago 0 0 1 0

Through creative workshops led by artist Jonah York, learners discussed artworks that resonated with them, creating sketches, reflections and letters to themselves, their families and support networks.

1 month ago 0 0 1 0

Inspired by Kith & Kinship: Norman Cornish & L. S. Lowry, the project explored community, identity and place through the work of two of the North’s most celebrated 20th-century artists.

1 month ago 0 0 1 0
A person stands in a museum gallery holding a bright red booklet titled Kith & Kinship. The person is wearing a pale pink sweater, a purple embroidered vest with colourful floral patterns, and dark pinstriped trousers. Glass display cases containing objects and miniature structures are visible in the background.

A person stands in a museum gallery holding a bright red booklet titled Kith & Kinship. The person is wearing a pale pink sweater, a purple embroidered vest with colourful floral patterns, and dark pinstriped trousers. Glass display cases containing objects and miniature structures are visible in the background.

We’re delighted to share that The Bowes Museum has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the Museum + Heritage Awards for Unheard Voices, a collaborative project bringing the museum to HMP Deerbolt. 🎉

1 month ago 0 0 1 0
A promotional poster for The Bowes Museum’s exhibition Vivienne Westwood: Rebel–Storyteller–Visionary. The central figure stands against a plain light background wearing an elaborate, sculptural outfit made from many layered garments in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, creating a voluminous mound‑like silhouette. Only the legs, dressed in bright red tights and matching shoes, are visible beneath the stacked clothing. The exhibition title appears in bold black and gold text in the lower left corner, and the dates “28 March – 6 September 2026” are shown at the bottom right. The Bowes Museum logo is positioned in the upper right.

A promotional poster for The Bowes Museum’s exhibition Vivienne Westwood: Rebel–Storyteller–Visionary. The central figure stands against a plain light background wearing an elaborate, sculptural outfit made from many layered garments in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, creating a voluminous mound‑like silhouette. Only the legs, dressed in bright red tights and matching shoes, are visible beneath the stacked clothing. The exhibition title appears in bold black and gold text in the lower left corner, and the dates “28 March – 6 September 2026” are shown at the bottom right. The Bowes Museum logo is positioned in the upper right.

✨ Coming soon to The Bowes Museum…

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary

An exhibition at The Bowes Museum exploring how Vivienne Westwood rewrote the rules of fashion with storytelling and radical style.

Opens Saturday 28 March 2026: thebowesmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/...

1 month ago 3 3 0 0
Advertisement
Welcome Team Assistant - The Bowes Museum

Interested in joining the team?

Find out more and apply here:
thebowesmuseum.org.uk/jobs-and-vol...

#MuseumJobs #NorthEastJobs

1 month ago 0 0 0 0

Visitors are at the heart of everything we do. In this role, you’ll help deliver a warm welcome and excellent customer service, working in a friendly, visitor-focused environment.

You’ll need to be a confident communicator and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

1 month ago 0 0 1 0
A staff member sits behind an information or reception desk inside The Bowes Museum, identifiable by the large logo on the wall behind them. Another visitor stands on the opposite side of the desk, and the staff member appears to be assisting them. Various lanyards and equipment are visible on the desk.

A staff member sits behind an information or reception desk inside The Bowes Museum, identifiable by the large logo on the wall behind them. Another visitor stands on the opposite side of the desk, and the staff member appears to be assisting them. Various lanyards and equipment are visible on the desk.

We’re hiring! ✨

The Bowes Museum is looking for two Welcome Team Assistants to join our team.

If you enjoy working with people and want to help create memorable visitor experiences, we’d love to hear from you. 🧵

1 month ago 0 0 1 0
Photograph taken of a marble sculpture called 'Two Sleeping Children' by Carl Fredrich Holbeck on display at the fantastic Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham. Image shows a close up of the faces of two toddler children, a boy and girl curled up together, fast asleep. The girl is wearing a bonnet. The boy has soft curls. The sculpture is situated in a window so the light and shadows are interesting. It's a stunning sculpture and I could have looked at it for ages had there not been so many other things to see too. The Bowes Museum is well worth a visit. Lots to see nearby including Barnard Castle and Egglestone Priory.

Photograph taken of a marble sculpture called 'Two Sleeping Children' by Carl Fredrich Holbeck on display at the fantastic Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham. Image shows a close up of the faces of two toddler children, a boy and girl curled up together, fast asleep. The girl is wearing a bonnet. The boy has soft curls. The sculpture is situated in a window so the light and shadows are interesting. It's a stunning sculpture and I could have looked at it for ages had there not been so many other things to see too. The Bowes Museum is well worth a visit. Lots to see nearby including Barnard Castle and Egglestone Priory.

Sleep Tight
for #Two by #BlueSkyArtShow

'Two Sleeping Children' by Carl Fredrich Holbeck (1857)

#EastCoastKin #photography #sculpture #marble #culture #TheBowesMuseum #sleeping #CountyDurham
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)

2 months ago 48 4 2 1
A person with curly hair stands in a gallery reading a colourful leaflet while viewing framed paintings displayed on deep blue and cream walls.

A person with curly hair stands in a gallery reading a colourful leaflet while viewing framed paintings displayed on deep blue and cream walls.

An ornate decorative plate with a detailed central scene set in a landscape, surrounded by a patterned border featuring scrolling designs and small inset motifs.

An ornate decorative plate with a detailed central scene set in a landscape, surrounded by a patterned border featuring scrolling designs and small inset motifs.

A painted portrait of a woman seated outdoors, partially covered by a dark translucent veil. Behind her is a row of slender white trees and a landscape with distant hills.

A painted portrait of a woman seated outdoors, partially covered by a dark translucent veil. Behind her is a row of slender white trees and a landscape with distant hills.

A bronze sculpture of a muscular standing male figure, leaning on a draped lion‑skin. The figure has a beard and a powerful, classical pose.

A bronze sculpture of a muscular standing male figure, leaning on a draped lion‑skin. The figure has a beard and a powerful, classical pose.

It’s LGBTQIA+ History Month 🏳️‍🌈

Explore The Bowes Museum through a different lens with our LGBTQIA+ Trail, sharing the stories and emotions held in objects through LGBTQIA+ lived experiences.

Pick up a trail at the Welcome Desk or learn more here:
thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/lgb...

2 months ago 4 3 0 0

A fun half-term activity for young creatives 🎨

Art School… in a trail! is a FREE spotter trail encouraging families to look closer, chat about art and complete creative challenges, plus a sticker at the end ⭐

2 months ago 0 0 0 0
A colourful promotional graphic with the heading “Art School… In a Trail!” featuring a pink book titled Art School (In a Book): A Future Artist’s Guide to Contemporary Art by Russell Tovey and Robert Diament. Surrounding the book are playful illustrations including a woolly mammoth with children, a Campbell’s soup can, a crown, and a paintbrush. Text at the bottom reads “Join us this February Half Term!” along with a small illustration of a globe and paint palette.

A colourful promotional graphic with the heading “Art School… In a Trail!” featuring a pink book titled Art School (In a Book): A Future Artist’s Guide to Contemporary Art by Russell Tovey and Robert Diament. Surrounding the book are playful illustrations including a woolly mammoth with children, a Campbell’s soup can, a crown, and a paintbrush. Text at the bottom reads “Join us this February Half Term!” along with a small illustration of a globe and paint palette.

🎨 Brand new trail launching this weekend!

This weekend, families with children aged 9+ can explore The Bowes Museum in a new way with Art School… in a trail! A free spotter trail packed with creative missions 👀✨

2 months ago 1 0 1 0
Photograph of a very fancy and fabulous bracket clock from about 1750, made by J. Gardelle of Paris. It's made of wood and gilt-bronze. Behind the clock is a beautiful cream and gilt wall panel. Found this elaborate stunner on display in The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. Although it was built and remains as a museum, it would absolutely fit the mould of a very large and beautiful country palace/house. Absolutely worth a visit if you're in the area or a day out if you're not. Whoever stocks the gift shop is a genius too...no way of not falling in love with many an item in there!

Photograph of a very fancy and fabulous bracket clock from about 1750, made by J. Gardelle of Paris. It's made of wood and gilt-bronze. Behind the clock is a beautiful cream and gilt wall panel. Found this elaborate stunner on display in The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. Although it was built and remains as a museum, it would absolutely fit the mould of a very large and beautiful country palace/house. Absolutely worth a visit if you're in the area or a day out if you're not. Whoever stocks the gift shop is a genius too...no way of not falling in love with many an item in there!

Anna in Paris
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #TimePassages

(Anna wasn't in Paris!)

#EastCoastKin #photography #clock #antique #C18th #CountyDurham #TheBowesMuseum
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)

3 months ago 40 3 1 0
Advertisement
Volunteer: The Founders' Galleries Storyteller - The Bowes Museum

If you enjoy storytelling, heritage and welcoming people, this could be for you.

🔗 Learn more and apply:
thebowesmuseum.org.uk/jobs-and-vol...

3 months ago 0 0 0 0

Gallery Storytellers will help connect visitors with the stories of Joséphine and John Bowes, supporting a community-focused vision at the heart of these new spaces.

3 months ago 0 0 1 0
A person wearing black gloves is carefully handling a delicate porcelain object on a white padded surface. The porcelain piece appears to be part of a decorative figurine or ornate structure, featuring floral patterns in pastel colors and intricate details. The individual is using a thin wooden tool to adjust or clean the object. The setting includes dark blue curtains and a window in the background, with soft natural light illuminating the workspace. A red lanyard with white text hangs around the person’s neck.

A person wearing black gloves is carefully handling a delicate porcelain object on a white padded surface. The porcelain piece appears to be part of a decorative figurine or ornate structure, featuring floral patterns in pastel colors and intricate details. The individual is using a thin wooden tool to adjust or clean the object. The setting includes dark blue curtains and a window in the background, with soft natural light illuminating the workspace. A red lanyard with white text hangs around the person’s neck.

🌟 Volunteer Opportunity at The Bowes Museum 🌟

We’re looking for local volunteers to join us as Gallery Storytellers in our newly reimagined Founders’ Galleries.

3 months ago 0 0 1 0
Fyfe Dangerfield

Fyfe Dangerfield

Great gig by the unique Fyfe Dangerfield in the grand setting of the @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social last night. Honoured that he played ‘Birdwatcher’ for @yolobirder.bsky.social and I!

5 months ago 10 1 1 0
Exhibitions - The Bowes Museum The Bowes Museum offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions to complement the display of its permanent collection. These range from major blockbusters often curated by staff, here at the Museum, to to...

Learn more about these incredible exhibitions here:
👉 thebowesmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/

Impressions of Light Image credit: Claude Monet, Fécamp, Bord de mer, 1881, huile sur toile, 65,3 x 80 cm, Le Havre, musée d’art moderne André Malraux © 2013, MuMa Le Havre/ David Fogel

5 months ago 1 0 0 0
Ornate antique parasol with an intricately patterned cream lace canopy, displayed partially open against a dark background. The parasol has a slender ivory-colored handle with decorative metal fittings and a tassel attached near the base. The lace features elaborate swirling motifs, showcasing fine craftsmanship and delicate detailing.

Ornate antique parasol with an intricately patterned cream lace canopy, displayed partially open against a dark background. The parasol has a slender ivory-colored handle with decorative metal fittings and a tassel attached near the base. The lace features elaborate swirling motifs, showcasing fine craftsmanship and delicate detailing.

🕊 Lace and Legacy: Fashion Treasures from the Blackborne Collection
🗓 14 Nov 2026 – 11 Apr 2027

Celebrating the artistry of lace-making and marking 20 years since Fine & Fashionable: Lace from the Blackborne Collection.

5 months ago 1 0 1 0
Impressionist seascape painting showing a rocky shoreline with waves crashing against the coast. On the left, steep cliffs in pink and brown tones rise vertically, while the sea dominates the right side with choppy, textured waves in shades of blue, green, and white. The sky above is overcast with streaks of yellow light near the horizon, suggesting a break in the clouds or an approaching sunset.

Impressionist seascape painting showing a rocky shoreline with waves crashing against the coast. On the left, steep cliffs in pink and brown tones rise vertically, while the sea dominates the right side with choppy, textured waves in shades of blue, green, and white. The sky above is overcast with streaks of yellow light near the horizon, suggesting a break in the clouds or an approaching sunset.

🎨 Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum
🗓 26 Sept 2026 – 14 Mar 2027

An international partnership with MuMa, Le Havre, bringing Impressionist masterpieces to the UK for the first time.

5 months ago 1 0 1 0
Advertisement
Close-up of a mannequin wearing a bold, multicolored mohair coat in shades of teal, purple, and magenta with a textured, fuzzy finish. The coat features gold buttons and is paired with a crisp white shirt and a vibrant tartan tie in red, blue, and green with geometric patterns. The ensemble combines traditional tailoring with avant-garde styling.

Close-up of a mannequin wearing a bold, multicolored mohair coat in shades of teal, purple, and magenta with a textured, fuzzy finish. The coat features gold buttons and is paired with a crisp white shirt and a vibrant tartan tie in red, blue, and green with geometric patterns. The ensemble combines traditional tailoring with avant-garde styling.

👗 Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary
🗓 28 Mar – 6 Sept 2026

A multi-gallery exhibition honouring one of Britain’s most provocative designers, charting her journey from punk to couture.

5 months ago 0 0 1 0