Bowes
Museum
Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12
8NP
Tel: 01833 690606 Fax: 01833 637163
The Bowes Museum is one of
County Durham's great surprises - a beautiful and grand French
chateau-style museum on the outskirts of the historic town of
Barnard Castle. It was built by John Bowes, illegitimate son
of the 10th Earl of Strathmore, and his Parisian actress wife,
Josephine, Countess of Montalbo, between 1862 and 1875. They
wanted to house the vast collection of works of art they had
amassed from all corners of Europe so that people from all
walks of life could see and enjoy them, but unfortunately they
died before their dream was realised.
But realised it eventually was,
and today it has an outstanding collection that will take your
breath away. County Durham is lucky to have a such a museum
and gallery - one that is undoubtedly of international
importance. Here the visitor can admire a vast range objets
d'arts and paintings, including what is acknowledged to be
the most important collection of Spanish paintings in Britain.
There are works by by Goya and El Greco, and works by painters
of the calibre of Canaletto, Boudin and Tiepola can also be
found on the walls. Tapestries, ceramics, woodwork, fine
furniture and clocks can also be seen - a feast of the finest
craftsmanship that could be found in Europe at the time. But
John and Josephine Bowes didn't just restrict themselves to
the grand and the prestigious. There is also a wonderful
display of toys, including the world's first toy train set.
The Museum's most famous exhibit
is undoubtedly the Silver Swan. The life-sized bird, with its
exquisite silver plumage, is an automaton and musical box, set
in a stream made from twisted glass rods with small fish
"swimming" among them. When it is wound up, the
glass rods rotate, a tinkling tune is played, and the swan
preens itself before lowering its head towards the water and
seemingly picking up a fish. It then raises its head once more
and appears to swallows it.
The museum is under the care of
Durham County Council, and runs a regular programme of
temporary exhibitions and displays. There are also occasional
craft fairs and musical events (programme available from the
Museum), plus special free guided tours.The licensed café
sells snacks and light meals, and there's a shop where you can
buy a souvenir or gift. Parking is free, and, apart from one
or two areas, the museum is disabled-friendly. There are also
23 acres of gardens and parkland to enjoy
Opening Times: 11am-5pm daily,
except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
