Explore the Enchanting Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle

The Bowes Museum is a wonderful and unique place to visit within the picturesque countryside of County Durham. An extraordinary destination that captivates both art aficionados and casual visitors alike.

In fact the Bowes Museum is the only building of its kind in our country that was built in the style of French museums of the Second Empire period. A sight to behold even before seeing the many treasures within and around.

I have visited the museum numerous times and each time I find new treasures I hadn’t noticed before.

This hidden gem showcases an eclectic mix of art, history, and culture, making it a significant landmark in the region. Founded in the 19th century, the museum is not only a repository of fine art but also a testament to the vision of its founders, John and Joséphine Bowes.

One minute you are in the Durham Dales, Teesdale and the historic small market town of Barnard Castle. Turn a corner and through the gates, and you are faced with a grand and large building. It is literally transporting you to France.

History of The Bowes Museum

Before I even get started on the massive collection, priceless pieces of art and of course the famous silver swan, I asked myself, what is a grand 19th Century building doing here in the Dales of Northern England? Well.

The 10th Earl of Strathmore had an illegitimate son, John Bowes, with a commoner partner who worked on his land. They were what we would now call commonlaw partners. They did marry 16 hours before the Earl’s death but it was still decreed in court that John could not inherit the ‘title’ of Earl but he could inherit the estate.

Even without the title, John became a wealthy industrialist and businessman, well educated and with a true love of arts. In France he bought the Théatre des Variétés, Paris and he met his wife there, an actress named Joséphine Coffin-Chevallier.

Josephine also had a true love of arts and together they collected, a lot, and dreamed of a grand museum to showcase all in Teesdale, where John was from. A museum that would house their collection and benefit the public.

The building was started in 1869 and they collected approximately 15,000 items no less, together with 800 paintings. As an example of the scale of what they collected, the European decorative arts collection at the Bowes Museum is second only to the collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Sadly, Joséphine died in 1874 before the building was complete and John also died in 1885, before the full dream was realised.

Under care of trustees the Bowes Museum was opened to the public in 1892 and the collection still grows to this day. Believe me, there is art in all its forms on display here, and there truly is lots of it.

Make sure you give yourself good time to see as much as you can, it is impossible for a quick first time visit.

Architectural Highlights

The museum building itself is a work of art, featuring an impressive façade and a stunning interior. Designed by the architect Jules Marquet, it incorporates elements of the Renaissance style, characterized by ornate stonework and beautiful arches. The grand staircase, adorned with intricate details, leads visitors into a world of cultural treasures.

Inside, the museum boasts beautifully curated galleries, each dedicated to different collections, from fine paintings to decorative arts.

Restoration and Preservation Efforts

Over the years, the Bowes Museum has undergone significant restoration and preservation efforts to maintain its architectural integrity and the safety of its collections. Following a series of challenges, including financial difficulties, a major restoration project began in the early 2000s.

This included improvements to the museum’s infrastructure, climate control systems, and visitor facilities, ensuring that the artwork and artifacts are preserved for future generations.

Exhibits and Collections

The Bowes Museum houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts, totaling over 15,000 items. The collections primarily focus on European paintings, ceramics, and decorative arts, reflecting the personal tastes of John and Joséphine Bowes.

Notably, the museum is recognized for its collection of silverware, textiles, and fine ceramics, showcasing craftsmanship from various periods.

Among the most renowned collections is the impressive array of paintings, featuring works by notable artists such as Canaletto, Francisco Goya, El Greco, Boucher, Edgar Degas, and Joshua Reynolds. Notable also is the porcelain by famous houses such as Sèvres.

The museum’s dedication to preserving these collections allows visitors to engage with history and art in a meaningful way. Let’s take a look at some more surprises to discover in the museum.

Silver Swan Automation

Where should I start? Well of course the famous Bowes Museum Silver Swan automaton. Most certainly a centre piece of the museum and rightly so.

Every day, at 2 pm, it gets wound up and it goes through its wonderful clockwork movements and picking up a fish hat seemingly flow in the silver ripple of silver water that seemingly moves.

The swan is actually life size and was made in 1773. In the daily demonstration the guide will perhaps gladly showcase that age by making you realise the swan is older than the United States.

John Bowes paid 200 pounds for the swan in 1872. I am sure there is no way to put a true price on it today. It is known far and wide, the likes of Mark Twain have seen it over the years. He was entranced enough to mention it in one of his books, The Innocents abroad.

Automatons were obviously something that the Bowes had a fondness for as you see many smaller automatons around the museum, still many of splendid material and workmanship of its day.

The Botanical Cabinet

Another item that stood out to me was the ‘Botanical Cabinet’. It looked on the outside like an antique cabinet of some sort but why so called a Botanical Cabinet? Well….

John’s grandmother, Mary Eleanor Lyon-Bowes, had it made in the 18th Century. She was an avid collector of botany and had the famous Scottish botanist, William Paterson, to collect her specimens on his travels around the Cape of Good Hope from 1777 to 1779.

She kept many in this cabinet it is known. The legs of this cabinet contains lead pipes and taps…. to regulate temperature?

Numerous collections

There are floors in every direction within the museum and treasures galore in every room. I will keep stressing, the collection is huge. But not just in number but in individual art pieces. It would be folly of me to go on making a list, you must explore yourselves and see it.

The small pieces are fascinating… In the whole museum, see if you can find this little piece? Notice the head of someone in the rug? Why so?

Throughout the museum you can follow the full story of John and Joséphine Bowes in more detail too. Their dedication to providing a collection for the people of the north was outstanding to say the least.

Fashions Through The Ages

Then, suddenly you wander into a room with clothing of all ages lit up and designed to be seen in full 360 degrees. There are dresses dating from all the way back to the 1800s and original fashions all the way through to the 1960s.

Children’s Interactive Museum

This also a wonderful place to visit with children too. Not only can they see and learn around the full museum but there is a section specifically to get the children interactively learning. Hands on in their own little museum.

Temporary Exhibitions

The Bowes Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing contemporary artists and thematic displays. These exhibitions provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with new ideas and artistic movements, fostering a vibrant dialogue between the past and the present.

Through these rotating exhibitions, the museum continues to evolve, attracting repeat visitors who are eager to experience fresh artistic expressions. The Bowes Museum’s commitment to showcasing both historical and contemporary works ensures that there is always something new to discover.

Visitor Experience

Access and Location

Located by the charming market town of Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum is easily accessible by both car and public transport. The museum’s address is Newgate, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP, UK.

Parking facilities are available on-site, and the museum is well-connected by local bus services. Signs and directions make it easy for first-time visitors to navigate their way to this cultural haven. Ensuring accessibility for all, the museum also offers facilities for those with mobility challenges.

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm daily.

Facilities and Amenities

The Bowes Museum provides a range of facilities to enhance the visitor experience, including a café that serves delicious local cuisine and refreshments. After exploring the galleries, guests can unwind and enjoy meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

Additionally, the museum features a well-stocked gift shop, where visitors can find unique souvenirs, art books, and locally crafted items. This space allows guests to take home a piece of their visit while supporting local artisans and businesses.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the museum’s collections, guided tours are available. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights into the history and significance of the artworks, making the experience richer and more engaging. These tours cater to all age groups, ensuring that families, school groups, and individual visitors can appreciate the offerings fully.

Moreover, the museum hosts educational programs aimed at schools and local communities, fostering a love for art and culture among younger generations. Workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions encourage creativity and critical thinking, allowing participants to explore their artistic potential.

Bowes Museum Cafe

After all the wandering, learning and reading it was time for me to grab a coffee and something to eat. I walked down to the cafe, this is no ordinary cafe, the menu and food looked and tasted divine. I was recommended to try the seafood chowder and having said yes I realised it was my decision of the day, it was wonderful.

Conclusion

If you are visiting the Durham Dales or the North East of England then I must say that a few hours at this gem of a place, The Bowes Museum, is a must see. I don’t know why it had taken me so long to visit to be honest.

And the whole tale has not yet been told here, I shall be back again on these pages sometime soon to show the gardens surrounding this lovely building.

In summary, the Bowes Museum stands as a remarkable cultural institution that offers a rich tapestry of art, history, and community engagement. Its striking architecture, diverse collections, and commitment to education make it a must-visit destination in County Durham.

Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique day out, the Bowes Museum has something for everyone.

FAQs

If you are interested in visiting other really interesting places in County Durham full of history to see and learn then look at:

• Beamish Open Air Museum – Step Back In Time
• Heugh Battery – The Only WWI Battlefield in Britain