Loan Boxes

Coming soon…

Loan Boxes are designed to bring The Bowes Museum into your classroom and allow students to get hands-on with replicas of the collection. Every loan box covers a unique topic and contains information about relevant objects; what they are, their origin and the purpose they served. Each box also includes high-quality prints of art in the collection, bringing our galleries to your classroom.  

Themes

Childhood 

Step back in time and explore the topic of childhood through the ages. This hands-on collection of games, toys, clothes and books will help your class connect with children from the past. This loan box includes:  

• Toys – a variety of toys including traditional favourites from the past and intriguing examples from specific eras. 
• Books – classic nursery rhyme and storybooks from the past. 
• Clothing – dresses, shoes and more, that shed light into childhood clothing from years gone by.  
• Art – paintings and photographs that provide an insight into childhood experiences.  

Local History 

Through objects and artwork in the collection, your classroom with explore various elements of County Durham’s incredible story, as you travel through the history of our region. This loan box includes: 

• Photographs that uncover the incredible history of the region. 
• Archaeology – objects from the distant past of the local area that your pupils can handle. 
• Books – discover lesser-known aspects of the region through written history. 
• Textiles – learn about the cultural and artistic history of the North East through patterned material and textile samples.  
• Documents – examples that provide insights into the region and industrial heritage.  

Storytelling  

Bring the stories of the collection to your classroom. With a range of objects and art from the museum, you can create a unique storytelling experience in your classroom. Learn the origin of these unique pieces and use them to inspire tales of your own. This loan box includes:  

• Ceramics – porcelain pieces from the collection to spark inspiration in your classroom.  
• Paintings and photographs showing intriguing stories from many historical eras.  
• Weird and wonderful objects from the collection, designed to encourage your students to make up their history.  
• Books – stories from the past you can bring to life in your classroom. 
• Clothing – textiles with a story for your pupils to discover.  

Food 

Explore the tasty (and not so tasty) world of food. In this box, you’ll find examples of food in art, as well as objects associated with the preparation and cooking of food. This loan box includes:  

• Books – recipe book showing changes to cooking and eating habits through the ages. 
• Equipment used to prepare, serve and eat meals in the past, like ornate dishware and interesting utensils.  
• Paintings that demonstrate the cultural and artistic importance of food and mealtimes. 
• Textiles related to the preparation of food.  
• Reproductions of actual food from the collection.  

To learn more, register your interest, please contact learn@thebowesmuseum.org.uk