Legacy

Fund our future – support The Bowes Museum in your Will

Be a part of the Bowes legacy by leaving a gift in your will. Every gift will ensure the museum, our collection and parkland are here for future generations to enjoy.   

Our Founders, Joséphine and John Bowes, created The Bowes Museum through their own spirit of philanthropy.  Through their vision, a unique purpose-built museum with an extraordinary collection was gifted to benefit the people of Teesdale and County Durham. Their generosity enables 100,000 people to visit, enjoy, and experience the wonderful museum, collection and parkland every year.  

Their gift has created a truly remarkable and extraordinary legacy for all generations to enjoy.   

Leaving a gift in your will   

Be a part of the Bowes legacy by planning a gift in your will.   

Gifts in wills are used at the heart of our work and enable us to: 

• Conserve and care for our renowned collection for you to enjoy 
• Showcase world-class exhibitions in rural northern England  
• Inspire people of all ages through our extensive learning programme
• Support the artists, designers and makers of today 
• Protect and enhance our 22 acres of parkland 

Why gifts in wills are important   

As a charity, we are heavily reliant on donations to care for our historic collection, buildings and parkland.  Gift in wills help us to protect and look after everything in our care. All gifts in wills make a lasting difference and we are grateful for your support and generosity.

How to make a gift in your will 

In planning your gift, always make sure you consider providing for your loved ones in the first instance. There are a variety of types of gifts: 

• Pecuniary or ‘cash’ gifts.  This is a specific sum of money left to a charity, e.g. £10,000.  
• Residuary gifts. A share of your estate, e.g. 5%. The residue is what is left after any specific or pecuniary gifts have been made from the estate and all expenses and taxes have been paid.  
• Specific gifts. A specific gift is where a specific item is left to charity.  

We are not able to provide legal advice for your plans and would always encourage you to speak with a solicitor when preparing your will or adding a codicil. However, do make sure you name The Bowes Museum and use our charity number (1079639) in any wording you use.  

Get in touch 

For further information or to discuss your gift, please contact us on development@thebowesmuseum.org.uk   

Thank you for considering making a gift in your will to The Bowes Museum.