Study Day: The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum is a nationally renowned art collection. It is housed in a magnificent, purpose-built nineteenth-century building which stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle, County Durham housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts.
Designed and built by John and Joséphine Bowes, the museum contains paintings by El Greco, Francisco Goya, Canaletto, Jean-Honoré Fragonard and François Boucher, together with a sizable collection of decorative art, ceramics, textiles, tapestries, clocks and costumes, as well as older items from local history. The early works of French glassmaker Émile Gallé were commissioned Joséphine. A great attraction is the 18th century Silver Swan automaton, which periodically preens itself, looks round and appears to catch and swallow a fish.
The gardens were also designed by John and Joséphine Bowes and the formal parterre garden complements this unique building. Today you can explore acres of parkland, enjoy a private picnic or go for a peaceful stroll around the grounds, where there are specimen trees from all over the world. The fountains have recently been restored thanks to Northumbrian Water through its employee volunteer scheme.
For more on the Bowes Museum please see the website: http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/
Download the Bowes Museum June-December Programme here