Library & Archive

One of the most impressive spaces in the Museum is the reading room which houses the main reference library.

With beautiful views across Teesdale it’s found at the top of the central dome of the building.

General and art reference books as well as local interest books can be found on the shelves.

Currently closed, it’s usually open by appointment for members of the public to access the Joséphine and John Bowes archive.  This contains thousands of letters and bills relating to the development of the collection and the building of the Museum generated during the 1850s, 60s and 70s when the founders were living in Paris.

It’s also used by the Museum’s team of volunteer translators and transcribers who are diligently working their way through thousands of records in the archive, many of which are 19th century manuscripts in French.  They meet monthly in the Museum to continue this work.

If you would like to know more about joining the library and archive volunteers, please contact: libraryandarchives@thebowesmuseum.org.uk