Swan Explainer Volunteer Position

This year, we’re bringing back the magic of the Silver Swan. And we need your help!

We’ve been awarded funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to start significant conservation work on our Silver Swan. This restoration project of the Museum’s 18th century life-size swan automaton will enable the Swan to perform again sustainably…and just in time for a festive celebration!

The Silver Swan contains 2,000 moving parts and three clockwork mechanisms and was the most expensive purchase in our founders, Josephine and John Bowes’ original Museum collection. We need your help to share the restoration project with our visitors, to collect memories from our audiences about their Silver Swan-encounters and to help articulate the conservation process (with support from our trained team of conservators and horologists) through welcoming conversation, creating an inclusive space and supporting engaging activities.

The Role:

• To welcome visitors into the Swan exhibition space and provide information about the Swan, especially as it may sometimes be off-site, for important conservation work to take place.
• Be confident and comfortable talking with lots of different people, capturing their thoughts and memories about the Silver Swan and perhaps the first time they experienced its magic.
• Enjoy creating a welcoming, inclusive and engaging space for all visitors by providing information about the Silver Swan, as well as engaging in conversations and inviting people to take part in related activities.

Download the information and application forms below.

Deadline for applications is Sunday, 29 October at midnight

Please send your completed application form to Jess White Co-production Volunteer Manager by email  jess.white@thebowesmuseum.org.uk or pick up an application form from Reception and return in a sealed envelope marked Private and Confidential for the attention of Jess White.

If you require any support or have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with Jess White Co-production Volunteer Manager by email  jess.white@thebowesmuseum.org.uk