The Bowes Museum Blog

What you might expect when curating a display is certainly not being involved in a film production. However, ‘Image and Substance’, on view from the 12^th of November 2016 until the 8^th of January 2017, is a very special event.

The Bowes Museum is, in fact, welcoming and celebrating a new outstanding acquisition: Saint Luke Drawing the Virgin and Child by the workshop of Dieric Bouts.

This exceptional fifteenth-century painting will be the centerpiece of an in-focus display, which will feature a special short film developed in collaboration with the National Gallery and Rachel Billinge (Painting Conservator at the National Gallery, London).

Before its arrival to The Bowes Museum, the painting was temporarily at the National Gallery where the Conservation team undertook scientific investigations.

Thus, this unique opportunity encouraged us to record the ‘hidden’ features of this rare painting in a film format, with the generous aid of Rachel, in order to make them accessible to the widest audience.

It is really challenging but the result is worth the effort.

Michelle and Rachel getting ready before the filming

Edward interviewing Rachel during the filming

Rachel showing the use of the microscope

Rachel showing the results of the infrared analysis

The display opens on Saturday 12 November and runs until Sunday 8 January 2017.

Join us in celebrating and discovering this outstanding painting.

A special thanks to Rachel Billinge, The National Gallery, Michelle and Edward (Northern Town) and Alison Nicholson.

By Bernadette Petti, Assistant Curator of Fine Art