The Bowes Museum Blog

My role means that I talk with the visitors, and share gems of information about the founders, their story and items on display. I can also provide practical information about the museum, as well as telling them about current exhibitions and those coming up too.

But I’ve also helped out at other events, such as the launch of Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary. As someone who has always loved fashion, it was a dream come true and such fun to see guests arrive in their own pieces of Westwood attire – from earrings to T shirts!

What I really love is chatting to visitors. I’ve been amazed at the number of Australian and American tourists who have visited – and those who have popped down from Scotland too. It’s fantastic to hear how much they love the museum, with many local visitors telling stories of how they used to visit when they were little and put money in the silver swan when it was located in the reception.

I’ve had some fascinating conversations about women’s lives in the past, prompted by the replica of Joséphine’s dress (how small was her waist!) and the shoes in the case that look impossible for an adult woman to wear. As well as the amazement of what a good artist Joséphine was and what an incredible, unusual life she led, albeit a short one. And I’m learning things all the time. About the exhibits, the artists and the couple themselves – Joséphine and John.  There is no doubt they were very privileged, but the fact that the museum they created for local people also attracts those from much farther afield is quite an achievement. And for me to play my very small part in helping to make visitors both inspired and informed is a fantastic reward.

I really love volunteering at The Bowes Museum. It feels special just walking through the doors. It’s become one of my happy places.