Gallery Talk
Date 10 & 24 November, 8 December, 12 & 28 January, 9 & 23 February Time 2.30
Print Making for ‘Big Kids’
Date 4-5 December, repeated 8-9 January Time 10.00 – 12.00 & 1.00 – 3.00 Cost £10.00 per weekend
Behind the Scenes Tour
Date 14 & 21 December, 11 & 25 January Time 2.30
Christmas Tree Decorations
Date 20 December Time 10.00 – 12.00 or 1.00 – 3.00 Cost £2.00 per session
Calendars – Print Making
Date 21 December Time 10.00 – 12.00 or 1.00 – 3.00 Cost £2.00 per session
Use printing techniques to make a butterfly calendar, inspired by the Damien Hirst exhibition. Booking required on 01833 690606.
Art Masterclass – Simple Printmaking
Date 14 January Time 10.00 – 4.45 Cost £28.00 Adults, £24.00
Printing workshop
Date 25 February Time 10.00 – 12.00 or 1.00 – 3.00 Cost £2.00 per session
Exhibition Details
Damien Hirst: Print Maker
Fri 05 Nov 10 - Sun 27 Feb 11
Following a £12m refurbishment, The Bowes Museum brings a global name to the Barnard Castle treasure house this autumn with the opening of Damien Hirst: Print Maker.
This world class exhibition, curated by former Turner Prize judge Greville Worthington, will explore this foremost contemporary artist through his renowned print works.
The striking show of more than 50 works, many unseen by the public, has been loaned by several northern collectors and is one not to miss. With the support of these private collectors, the Museum has drawn together Hirst’s best quality prints to form the first exhibition to re-establish a contemporary programme at The Bowes Museum.
In the process of print making Hirst uses a variety of techniques to achieve his aims. Since the 1990s he has produced a range of high quality prints, often proving technically difficult and complex, exploring similar themes to those in his paintings and installations.
The works are ambitious, testing the boundaries of print making as a skill, and this exhibition brings together his most impressive pieces in terms of both scale and technical ability.
The exhibition, which opened on Saturday 6 November 2010, incorporates themes of opposites such as life and death, necessity and luxury & black and white; examining the complications and frailties of human existence. The Museum’s exhibition gallery will be specially decorated to complement Hirst’s work.
Damien Hirst: Print Maker includes series of works such as The Last Supper – a set of 13 prints designed to mimic drug packaging; using humour and pathos to question whether drugs are as vital to man’s survival as food. The display also includes a stunning print of For the Love of God – portraying the artist’s famous diamond skull sculpture.
The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue, written by Mr Worthington, which can be purchased from the Museum.
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Programme of events
Gallery Talk
Date 10 & 24 November, 8 December, 12 & 28 January, 9 & 23 February Time 2.30
Join a member of the curatorial team for an insight into the current Damien Hirst: Print Maker exhibition. No need to book.
Print Making for ‘Big Kids’
Date 4-5 December, repeated 8-9 January Time 10.00 – 12.00 & 1.00 – 3.00 Cost £10.00 per weekend
A 2-day workshop, giving an opportunity to view the Damien Hirst exhibition and explore the collection before trying your hand at print making. No experience necessary. Booking required on 01833 690606. Places limited, so first come first served.
Behind the Scenes Tour
Date 14 & 21 December, 11 & 25 January Time 2.30
A chance to see works from the Museum’s print collection, to celebrate the current exhibition Damien Hirst: Print Maker. Booking essential.
Christmas Tree Decorations
Date 20 December Time 10.00 – 12.00 or 1.00 – 3.00 Cost £2.00 per session
Join in this festive workshop to create some unusual salt dough Christmas tree decorations, including skulls and butterflies inspired by the Damien Hirst exhibition. Booking required on 01833 690606.
Calendars – Print Making
Date 21 December Time 10.00 – 12.00 or 1.00 – 3.00 Cost £2.00 per session
Use printing techniques to make a butterfly calendar, inspired by the Damien Hirst exhibition. Booking required on 01833 690606.
Art Masterclass – Simple Printmaking
Date 14 January Time 10.00 – 4.45 Cost £28.00 Adults, £24.00 Friends of The Bowes Museum
Explore simple printmaking with artist Linda Birch, using monoprints, inspired by the Damien Hirst exhibition. This is a simple, single printing method using acrylic or printing ink on a piece of glass. The plate is then used to print an image by drawing into paint. An impression is taken onto paper and then the printed image embellished using pen and ink or watercolour. Call 01833 690606 or email info@thebowesmuseum.org.uk.
Printing workshop
Date 25 February Time 10.00 – 12.00 or 1.00 – 3.00 Cost £2.00 per session
Aimed at children, who can come along and try their hand at this printing workshop. Booking required on 01833 690606.
Other Exhibitions