On the 20th 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 6th 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
2. Thorough planning is essential for hectic build weeks
3. You don’t need a gym membership with all the running around you do… And carrying… and lifting…
4. Flexibility is key, because you will be doing something different nearly every day
5. A sweet/biscuit/cake tin is a must in the office
6. What seems like a simple task, can make a big impact
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.
8. You’ll know what you’re doing at work at least a year in advance
9. Your desk will rarely be tidy
10. Our Exhibitions team have done a pretty good job over the last year!
By Catherine Dickinson, Creative Apprentice