The Bowes Museum Blog

On the 20^th of October, Charlotte and I completed our first year as Creative Apprentices here at The Bowes Museum- And to say time has flown is an understatement!

The week that we started, we were swiftly introduced into what it was like to be part of a busy Exhibition team, as the opening of Birds of Paradise, Julian Opie and Spanish Masterpieces were all fast approaching.

While everyone was running around making sure everything was complete, the only thing running through our minds was ‘What have we let ourselves in for?!’…

Now 12 months on, we’ve just installed our 6^th exhibition of the year (including the amazing Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal) and have another two to go before the year is out.

Charlotte and I are now part of the team doing all of the running around, and we’re enjoying every minute of it!

10 things I have learnt during my first year of apprenticeship

1. There’s more to museums than meets the eye

What the visitor sees….

What we see….

2. Thorough planning is essential for hectic build weeks

Our work schedule for the YSL build- Colour coded and everything

3.  You don’t need a gym membership with all the running around you do… And carrying… and lifting…

Lifting & carrying

4.  Flexibility is key, because you will be doing something different nearly every day

From working on Reception…

… Removing displays…

…To packing work- And everything in between!

5.   A sweet/biscuit/cake tin is a must in the office

Never underestimate the power of a sweet tin and a cup of tea during a busy and chaotic day

6.  What seems like a simple task, can make a big impact

Charlotte masking the stage in the YSL exhibition, ready for the painter to come back

7.  You meet a lot of interesting and inspiring people

Whether they’re contractors, curators, artists, VIP guests or visitors to the museum, we have had the opportunity to meet some amazing and lovely people over this year.

Doug, Arno and Ricky from North Exhibition Services who we’ve worked with on numerous occasions

Contemporary Art Curator, and former Turner Prize judge, Greville Worthington

8.  You’ll know what you’re doing at work at least a year in advance

Might not know what I’m doing at the weekend, but I know what’s going on at work next year

9.  Your desk will rarely be tidy

My desk

10.  Our Exhibitions team have done a pretty good job over the last year!

But maybe I’m just biased…

By Catherine Dickinson, Creative Apprentice