THE BOWES MUSEUM — RESEARCH
The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. The museum holds nationally and internationally important collections including paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, and silver objects d’art, in a French chateau-style Grade I listed building. Purpose built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, the Museum has a wonderful story to tell.
John and Joséphine decided to build a museum to house their extensive collections of European fine and decorative art. They chose Barnard Castle as the nearest town to Streatlam Castle, John’s main residence in England. The French architect Jules Pellechet, who had worked for them in France, designed the building, although alterations were made later. The French style architecture is thought to be based on that of the town hall in Le Havre.
A local architect and builder, J.E. Watson of Newcastle and Joseph Kyle, were employed to carry through the construction work. Many of the workers, and some of the suppliers, were local people.
Joséphine’s death in 1874, less than five years after she laid the foundation stone, coupled with John’s financial problems, meant that the Museum was still not complete when John died in 1885. Responsibility for finishing the work fell to the Trustees appointed under the wills of Joséphine and John. The Museum opened to the public in 1892.The improvement works have provided; a new restaurant at ground level, two new lift installations serving all floors, education facilities in the lower vaults, new exhibition spaces on the upper floors, and a new shop and reception area.
John and Joséphine ensured that their Museum was filled with treasures; since collecting has continued since the opening, storage and display space comes at a premium. At every turn you can see important and precious works from all over Europe, and each piece has its own story to tell. However, it is the 240 year-old Silver Swan that is the best-loved object in the Museum. The Silver Swan is an English silver automaton, a unique attraction that was bought by the Bowes in 1872. The life size model is still in working order and is operated at the Museum on a daily basis.
The diverse collection spans three floors of the magnificent building and contains items too numerous to list. Whether it is paintings by Canaletto or Goya, porcelain produced at Sèvres, or marquetry attributed to André-Charles Boulle it can all be found at The Bowes Museum, which has received Designated status from the government in recognition of the outstanding collection.
Visitors to The Bowes Museum today can not only learn of John and Joséphine’s wonderful story and marvel at the fascinating collections but can also enjoy an exciting programme of exhibitions. Activities in the park and a popular café and shop add to the visitor offer at the Museum, making it fit for purpose in the 21st century. The magnificent legacy that John and Joséphine left to the people of Teesdale retains its charm and intrigue yet sympathetic developments have made the attraction a popular, vibrant and exciting day out for all.
REFERENCE:
