The Bowes Museum Blog

My volunteering journey began last September when my youngest child started school. After struggling to find a job which would fit within school hours, I decided to apply for a volunteer role which was advertised by The Bowes Museum. Thankfully I was successful in the application process, as volunteering has given me some amazing opportunities, enabled me to learn new skills, meet new people and has ultimately increased my confidence in the workspace (having been out of the work environment for almost 5 years).

Swan Explainer

When I initially applied to volunteer, the role was focused as a Swan Explainer. In this role, I was based in the Swan gallery and had the privilege of talking to visitors about the Silver Swan’s history and the restoration project it was undergoing. It was fascinating talking to visitors about their memories of the Swan – it clearly has a special place in many people’s hearts! Every week I was able to see something new and talk to the experienced horologists about the intricate working of the 250 year old automaton. Where else would you get this experience?!

Having an education background, a real highlight for me was talking to a large group of school children about the Swan and its journey. They asked amazing questions and showed such curiosity; it felt really special to enjoy learning and experiencing a snapshot of the Swan’s history together.

After the restoration of the Swan was completed, the Swan Explainers were invited to a preview to witness the first playing of the Swan – this was a wonderful evening and left me feeling very valued as a volunteer of The Bowes.

My friend and I attending the Silver Swan preview.

Co-producing the HIVE

Immediately after the Swan Project, the Museum invited us to be involved in the HIVE project. Within this role we were called Co-Producers and were given the opportunity to create displays (working alongside Museum professionals) which would be on view in the new HIVE gallery. The gallery is intended to be a quiet space where visitors can relax or study, surrounded by Museum artefacts and books.

The Museum gave us the freedom and independence to develop our themes and areas of interest. Having recently completed an online Art History course, I chose to focus on Joséphine Bowes as an artist. Using Adlib, the Museum’s online collection and archive database as a starting point, we then we explored the collection stores alongside the curators to make our final selection of objects for display. These items needed to be condition-checked and cleaned prior to display – this was fascinating and definitely a highlight for me. We also wrote labels and text panels to educate visitors about our chosen theme before inserting the items into the cabinets and creating an aesthetically pleasing display. Volunteering my time to the creation of HIVE has been very rewarding; working as Co-Producers alongside the Museum professionals we have been able to create a display which we are all very proud of.

The Co-producing team for the HIVE.

The next chapter

My latest role at the Museum includes working in the new Create Space – engaging with visitors, inviting them to explore the gallery and facilitating creativity. The new gallery is fresh, vibrant and gives the visitor the opportunity to be creative and to create a piece of art inspired by the Museum collection. I also volunteer with the curatorial and conservation team and support them in a variety of tasks – this has been really interesting as every day is different!

In the Create Space I get lots of opportunity to be creative!

As a volunteer at The Bowes Museum I feel highly valued. They have a dedicated Co-Production Volunteer Manager who is in regular contact and offers support and guidance as required. We are also invited to celebration events and information sharing events which ensure we are up to date with information and feel part of the museum team. Everyone I have encountered has made me feel supported and welcome. Volunteering at The Bowes is fun! It has enabled me to make new friends, learn new skills and given me new and exciting opportunities. It enables me to work flexibly and still be available for school pickups! I am very excited to continue this journey and see what the future brings.

If you are considering volunteering, I would recommend giving it a go – you never know where it will take you!

Written by Amy Bainbridge, May 2024