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On Saturday 26 April The Bowes Museum marks the 200th birthday of its co-founder Joséphine Bowes with a day of indoor and outdoor activities including talks, tours and hands-on experiences for all ages to enjoy, and two special free entry initiatives.
The museum’s programme this year is centred around Joséphine’s pioneering vision and legacy. She was the driving force behind the creation of The Bowes Museum as an artist, collector and patron of the arts.
In celebration, visitors to the County Durham museum can enjoy a small piece of delicious birthday cake on arrival and there are two one-off, special initiatives that could allow them to enjoy their visit for free.
On Saturday, the first 200 people to visit with a DL12 postcode (residents of Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale) receive a voucher giving free day entry to the museum that can be redeemed on the day or on another occasion, up to 6 months later. Joséphine Bowes’ vision when founding the museum was to share art and culture with the people of Teesdale, so people from the local community can take advantage of this gesture in her honour.
Over the weekend, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27, women sharing Josephine’s name, or with modern-day variants such Jo or Joanne, receive free day entry to the museum. Proof of address or name is required to claim free entry.
The ever-popular Spotlight Tours at 11:00 and 2:30 will be centred around Joséphine, there’ll be a performance of the Silver Swan at 11:45, and 2:00, with a special happy birthday sing-along afterwards.
Families can create party hats, decorated with their own unique, colourful patchwork design in Artist Makers: Patchwork Party Hats. Artist Betty Brown will be in the Create Space between 1:00 – 3:00.
To support the museum’s green initiative and to encourage biodiversity in the parkland, there’ll be drop-in Snowdrop Bulb Planting in the grounds between 11:00 – 2:00. Meet at the West Lodge (to the left of the gates when entering the grounds via the main entrance), a £1.00 donation is suggested to take part.
Kathy Raine, Volunteer Guide is leading a 30-minute Outdoor Guided Tour (weather permitting) from 12:30, covering the unique French influence behind museum’s exterior architecture, the development of the grounds, and the remarkable story behind the formation of Joséphine and John’s museum. Booking is encouraged due to limited space, however, there may be availability on the day. Meet on the terrace by the flagpoles.
There’s an insightful talk at 2:30, Joséphine’s Family and Friends by the museum’s Honorary Archivist, Dr. Judith Philips. Gain insight into Joséphine Bowes’ personal life – her family, friends, and other influential figures in her circle that helped shape her to become the remarkable woman she was.
The museum is launching a new fundraising appeal in celebration of Josephine Bowes’ 200th birthday and in support of a special project to upgrade lighting in the galleries and public spaces to energy-efficient LEDs. Visitors can find out more and donate via the website, or in person at reception or by using the contactless donation boxes on site.
Alongside the two exhibitions that focus on Joséphine’s exceptional taste as a collector and profound knowledge of artist trends, there’s a new Conversation Wall display centred around Joséphine’s artist skill in the entrance hall. The display features three works by Joséphine that were previously in store, one showing a small dog that may have been her pet, Pallete and two landscape studies. Visitors can draw a picture or write a birthday message for Joséphine, or a wish for the future of her museum, on a postcard and hang it on the wall.
The Bowes Museum is open daily, 10:00 – 5:00. All activities taking place on Saturday, 26 April and the exhibitions are included in day admission and membership. Curate your own itinerary from the exciting programme and enjoy a fun-filled day at the museum with family and friends.
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Find out what’s happening this week across the Culture County. From festivals and exhibitions, to sport and theatre, you’re certain to have an eventful time in Durham.
