Bowes Book Club

Readers and culture lovers are invited to spend a cosy Sunday afternoon at Bowes Book Club, where books meet art, design and fashion in the museum’s Conversation Space.

Each curator-led session combines discussion of the chosen book with expert insights and connections to objects from The Bowes Museum’s collection. With refreshments included and access to the galleries, Bowes Book Club offers much more than a traditional book group.

Please note: books will not be provided, so please ensure you can get one before the session.

Suitable for ages 18+. Tickets cost £10, plus museum admission. If you are a museum Member, this will be verified on the day. If you are not a Member, please arrive early so you can pay for a day ticket/join as a Member. 

Upcoming Sessions:

Sunday 27 September: The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier

This session will be introduced by Rachel Whitworth, Curator of Fashion and Textiles, who will explore links to The Bowes Museum’s tapestry collection and the methods and techniques used to create these incredible pieces.

Sunday 18 October: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

This session will be introduced by Jane Whittaker, Collections Manager, who will share objects from the Medici court currently in the museum’s collection, including portraits and furniture. In the picture gallery, visitors will be able to see a portrait of a Medici official, bringing the story to life. 

Sunday 22 November: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

Introduced by Rachel Whitworth, Curator of Fashion and Textiles, explores links between the novel’s themes of marriage and anniversaries alongside materials from cotton to silk. 

Sunday 20 December: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

This session will be introduced by Howard Coutts, Curator of Fine Art and Design, who will explore links to the museum’s collection of historic books in its library, with a focus on the illustrations by poet and artist, William Blake (1757–1827). 

Please contact the learning team at  learn@thebowesmusuem.org.uk if you have access requirements, so the session can be adapted to suit your needs.

To reserve your place click ‘book tickets’ and select the ticket that suits you. We’ll confirm your membership when you arrive, or you can pay for a day ticket/ join as a member on the day.