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The Bowes Museum

@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
951 followers 382 following 83 posts

A stunning French-style museum in Barnard Castle with world-class art, fashion, design and 22 acres of parkland.

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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
🎨 Claude Monet at The Bowes Museum. Experience Fécamp, Seashore, 1881, in the Sea and Sky section of Impressions of Light. Using colour, movement and light, Monet connects the cliffs, sea and sky in an ever-changing landscape. 🌊 Take your time and look a little closer.
A visitor stands directly in front of an Impressionist seascape painting displayed in an ornate gilded frame. The artwork shows waves crashing along a rocky shoreline beneath a pale, cloud-filled sky, with cliffs receding into the distance. The visitor is viewed from behind, emphasising the close study of the painting.A visitor sits on a wooden bench in a gallery with pale blue walls, looking towards two large Impressionist paintings displayed in ornate gilded frames. One painting depicts waves breaking against a rocky coastline, while the other shows figures and a boat on a beach beneath a light-filled sky. The quiet exhibition space encourages close viewing of the artworks.A visitor sits on a wooden bench in a gallery, facing a wall of Impressionist paintings displayed against pale blue walls. At the centre is a large seascape in an ornate gilded frame, flanked by smaller coastal and landscape paintings. The visitor is viewed from behind, seated quietly while studying the artworks in the softly lit exhibition space.An Impressionist seascape painting hangs in an elaborate gilded frame on a gallery wall. The artwork depicts waves breaking against a rocky shoreline beneath a light-filled sky, with cliffs receding into the distance. Soft brushstrokes in pale blues, creams, and pinks capture the movement of the sea and changing light.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa - Le Havre and The Bowes Museum Now showing until 14 March 2027
A promotional poster for The Bowes Museum exhibition “Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa - Le Havre and The Bowes Museum.” The central image features a coastal landscape painting showing a small pink-roofed cottage nestled among green hills overlooking a vivid blue sea. Above the horizon, soft pink, lavender, and grey clouds fill the sky. Vertical colour blocks in pale blue, pink, turquoise, and green sit alongside the artwork. The poster includes The Bowes Museum and MuMa Le Havre logos, with exhibition dates 26 September 2026 – 14 March 2027 displayed at the bottom.
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AnnaLois @annalois36.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
All About The Flowers for today's #PalacesAndGardens theme of #PompAndPatterns (Matching patterns - textiles and architecture) #EastCoastKin #ECK #photography #textiles #TheBowesMuseum #BarnardCastle #ceiling #OsborneHouse #IsleOfWight @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social (iPhone and Android phone camera)
A collage of two photographs, one above and one below. Have 'matched' the flower design in both images.

The top image is a close up of beautiful cream Irish crochet on a stunning pale mint green jacket, on display at The Bowes Museum in County Durham. The crochet is intricate with prominent, multi-petalled flowers, and other flora. Have said before that this spectacular museum could easily be a very lavish country house. For once I was organised and took a photo of the accompanying clothing description. Here you are fashion nerds...

Dress, 1910 - 12
A summer outfit which displays all the fashionable features, a cutaway jacket and narrow skirt, with decorative buttons and magyar sleeves. Irish crochet, used for the collar and cuffs, reached the peak of popularity around 1910. Paul Poiret's Directoire line of 1908, based on the neo-classical, was very influential. The wearer married in 1912, so this could be her going away outfit.
Cotton with woven blue stripe, Irish crochet.
British, Bequest of Mrs M.S. Gordon.

(Thanks Mrs Gordon - it's a stunner!)

The bottom photograph is of a section of the plaster ceiling in the Durbar Room at Osborne House, Queen Victoria's summer palace on the Isle of Wight. It is off white, ornate and contains large flower shapes between the geometric grid system.

Both places are absolutely worth a visit...and the gift shop in each, beyond tempting!
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🎨 Monet, Boudin, Courbet, Pissarro, Auburtin & Dufy are coming to The Bowes Museum. Impressions of Light brings significant loans from MuMa together with our Pre-Impressionist collection to explore the transformation of landscape painting. 📅 Opens 26 September.
A promotional poster for The Bowes Museum exhibition “Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa - Le Havre and The Bowes Museum.” The central image is a landscape painting showing a small pink-roofed cottage nestled among green hills overlooking a bright blue sea. The sky is painted in soft shades of pink, lavender, and grey, creating a luminous coastal scene. Vertical colour blocks in blue, pink, turquoise, and green appear alongside the artwork. The poster includes The Bowes Museum and MuMa logos, with exhibition dates 26 September 2026 – 14 March 2027 displayed at the bottom.
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The Art Exhibitions Blog @blogexhibitions.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Inadvertently left this show @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social in Co Durham featuring work from MuMa in Le Havre (Monet, Boudin, Courbet, Pissarro, Dufy and more) out of our September preview: thebowesmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/... Starts Sep 26.
thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum - The Bowes Museum
Experience Impressionism at The Bowes Museum in ‘Impressions of Light’ — masterpieces from MUMA Le Havre and The Bowes Museum illuminating the art of light and colour.
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AnnaLois @annalois36.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Silver Swan for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #PalaceMusic #EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #PalaceArts #TheBowesMuseum #BarnardCastle #CountyDurham #SilverSwan #C18th #mechanicalwonder @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social (Android phone)
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! 

This is the breathtaking 'Silver Swan', an incredible C18th mechanically-automated creature. It was made in about 1773 and plays a tune each time it 'performs'. Amusingly the museum staff 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' surrounding the swan on the photograph also moves. It is made up of fine, twisted glass rods which rotate making the water looks like it is rippling. It 'performs' at least once a day and it is an absolute must see if you're in the area.

Image looks head on at a shining silver swan that looks like it is made of fine, tiny, stacked, silver plates (which it kind of is so it can move). It sits of a flat rectangular base surrounded by small silver-work vine leaves. This sits on a second rectangular base with an extended area at the front which contains the moving water ripples explained above, and is surrounded by huge, overlapping silver-work vine leaves. The swan dips its head down towards this area when it moves. whole thing is housed in a glass case. Behind this is a pale yellow wall upon which are displayed numerous beautiful paintings for visitors to enjoy, with some white information signs below.

For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good:
www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Do visit too! It is SO good! Gift shop is stocked with lots of treasures and treats.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
⏳ Only two weeks left to see Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary. This major multi-gallery exhibition closes on Sunday 6 September. Don’t miss your final chance to experience it. 🔗 thebowesmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/...
A promotional poster for Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary at The Bowes Museum. The central image shows a figure almost completely concealed beneath layers of colourful clothing, including tailored jackets, tartan fabrics, patterned garments, a crown-like headpiece, and a red feathered detail. Bright red tights and feet are visible beneath the layered outfits. The poster includes The Bowes Museum logo and the exhibition dates 28 March – 6 September 2026, with the exhibition title displayed in large black and gold lettering.
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The Crack Magazine @thecrackmagazine.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
There's just a few weeks left to see Vivienne Westwood Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary at The Bowes Museum before it closes on 6 Sep. lnk.bio/s/thisisdurh... 📷Vivienne Westwood Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary at The Bowes Museum, 2026. Photographer Claire Collinson
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Curious about a career in the arts or museums? Join The Bowes Museum's Young Curators Programme to gain hands-on experience, build new skills and work on creative projects with museum professionals. 🔗 thebowesmuseum.org.uk/learn/young-...
Two young volunteers wearing red volunteer lanyards stand at a worktable examining documents and images. A long spirit level lies across the table in the foreground, while shelving, a high-visibility jacket, and a fashion illustration are visible in the background of a museum work or storage area.
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Kate Strasdin @katestrasdin.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
If you are going to have a floral dress then you may as well go all out & turn yourself into a bloom, bursting forth in fragile petals. Augustabernard understood the assignment here in her 1930s evening gown of giant purple flowers against crisp white @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social #FashionHistory 🗃️🪡
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Talking Northeast @talkingnortheast.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Norman Cornish is one of my favourite artists, so I was delighted to get an early look at the latest exhibition of his work at @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social. Delving into his sketchbooks, the show brings his work to life. Read more: talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/norman-cor... #art #exhbition
talkingnortheast.substack.com
Norman Cornish at the Bowes Museum
A deep dive into a fascinating archive of sketchbooks celebrates a special coalfield artist
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Talking Northeast @talkingnortheast.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Another Monday, another handful of reasons to be cheerful. From folk horror to pitmen poets, there's plenty happening across the Northeast this week. Read more at talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/seven-days...
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
✏️ Coming soon... Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks Explore the ideas and observations behind the work of Norman Cornish through sketches, paintings and watercolours drawn from a lifetime of creativity. 📅 Opens 27 June 🔗 thebowesmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/...
A painted street scene shows rows of terraced houses under a cloudy sky, with people walking along a curved road, a horse-drawn cart, and figures gathered on the pavement.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
We are saddened to hear of the passing of David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential artists. The Bowes Museum has been privileged to display his work, including Nude, 17 June 1984, currently in the Blue Picture Gallery. His influence on generations of artists and designers is immeasurable.
A visitor stands in a gallery with blue walls, looking at a large contemporary artwork of a reclining figure surrounded by layered paper, alongside a red panel titled “Nudity in Art and in The Bowes Museum Collection,” with additional framed paintings and sculptures displayed around the space.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
🌟 Great news! Our very own Philippa has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Durham Tourism Superstar Awards. 🏆 The winner is decided by public vote, and we'd love your support. 🔗 www.thisisdurham.com/durham-touri... Good luck, Philippa! 💛
A museum staff member wearing a lanyard stands in a gallery with a blue wall, with numerous framed paintings displayed behind in gold frames.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
📢 We're hiring! Travel Trade and Events Coordinator ✨ Help grow group visits ✨ Work with travel trade partners ✨ Support museum events 📍 25 hrs/week 📄 Permanent 🗓 Apply by 25 June 🔗 thebowesmuseum.org.uk/jobs-and-vol...
A visitor stands at a counter inside The Bowes Museum, with “The Bowes Museum” signage on a stone wall behind and leaflets displayed on the desk.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
📢 We’re hiring at The Bowes Museum 👋 Welcome Team Supervisor 🍽️ Chef ☕ Catering Assistants Join a team creating welcoming experiences for visitors every day. Apply now: thebowesmuseum.org.uk/jobs-and-vol...
A staff member wearing a lanyard stands behind a museum counter speaking with a visitor, with “The Bowes Museum” signage visible on the wall behind them.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
👗 Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary Rare garments, deconstructed designs & bold fashion storytelling from Vivienne Westwood From punk to couture, discover the creativity that changed fashion forever.
A person adjusts a richly layered garment installation composed of jackets, skirts and textiles, with a decorative red animal figure draped across the upper section, photographed in a studio setting.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
🏆 The Bowes Museum is in the top 10% of attractions worldwide We’ve received a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for the second year running. Thank you to everyone who visited & shared their experience 💛
A promotional image showing a grand historic stone building with ornate architectural detailing and mansard roofs, photographed under a partly cloudy blue sky. Bright yellow daffodils fill the foreground, framing the building and formal garden paths. A blue banner spans the bottom of the image with bold white text reading “TRIPADVISOR AWARD WIN,” alongside a white decorative emblem on the right.
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AnnaLois @annalois36.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Have Palanquin, Will Travel for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #travelandtransport Photograph details in the alt text. #EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #Palanquin #Norimono #MidC18th #TheBowesMuseum #CountyDurham #travels @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social (Android phone camera)
Photograph taken at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. Had it not been used as a museum, it would make a huge and very fine country residence. For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good:
www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Image shows a Japanese palanquin which was purchased in France by the museum owner and founder, Mr John Bowes. It is highly decorated outside in black lacquer with gold maki-e in swirls, flowers and leaves. The inside is bright (see the next photo for info on that). This would have been used by wealthy ladies of the Samurai class to travel about. It was carried on two long, decorated poles by about by six men.I was drawn to this when I saw it in the museum. It's simply exquisite. If it wasn't so valuable, I would have loved to have climbed inside to take a proper look at the paintings.

The image focuses on the inside of the black and gold lacquer Japanese Palanquin, also known as a Norimono. It is of smooth, dark wood with a little bench seat at the back. Behind the seat is a vibrant scene in a Japanese court garden in gold, mint green, red, and pale pink with touches of blue. On the wall to the right of the seat is a floor to ceiling panel in gold painted with various scenes edged in black and lots of white cherry blossom trees.

Saying the image focuses on the inside, it does shows the edge of the exterior in greater detail, including brass handles and fancy edging.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
🛡️ 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
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.
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AnnaLois @annalois36.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
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)
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
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Art UK @artukdotorg.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Read about Joséphine Bowes, a French actress who built a world-class art collection for the north of England. 👉 artuk.org/discover/stories/josephin… 🧑‍🎨 Joséphine Bowes (1825–1874) 📷 The Bowes Museum
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.A winding dirt path lined with tall, leafy trees under a partly cloudy sky with a person walking along it.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
👑 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.
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 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.
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Talking Northeast @talkingnortheast.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
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...
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
👑 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.
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
📚 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...
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Congratulations to all the other organisations shortlisted alongside us. 👏
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Together, more than 15 learners created a zine and soundscape capturing their “unheard voices” – voices they feel are often overlooked.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
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. 🎉
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
✨ 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/...
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Interested in joining the team? Find out more and apply here: thebowesmuseum.org.uk/jobs-and-vol... #MuseumJobs #NorthEastJobs
thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Welcome Team Assistant - The Bowes Museum
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
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. 🧵
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.
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AnnaLois @annalois36.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
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)
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
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...
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.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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
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 ⭐
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
🎨 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 👀✨
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.
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AnnaLois @annalois36.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
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)
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!
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
If you enjoy storytelling, heritage and welcoming people, this could be for you. 🔗 Learn more and apply: thebowesmuseum.org.uk/jobs-and-vol...
thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Volunteer: The Founders' Galleries Storyteller - The Bowes Museum
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
🌟 Volunteer Opportunity at The Bowes Museum 🌟 We’re looking for local volunteers to join us as Gallery Storytellers in our newly reimagined Founders’ Galleries.
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.
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Reposted by The Bowes Museum
Mark Eaton @markaeaton.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
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!
Fyfe Dangerfield
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
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
thebowesmuseum.org.uk
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...
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
🕊 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.
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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
🎨 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.
 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.
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The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
👗 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.
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.
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