The Bowes Museum Blog

I wanted to do my work experience at The Bowes Museum because museums, especially those with extensive art collections, greatly interest me. I aspire to pursue a career in this field, and I believed that gaining experience at The Bowes Museum would provide valuable insights into my future career. As a young volunteer at the Museum, I have already had the privilege of glimpsing the behind-the-scenes work involved in museums, but this week of work experience has provided me with an even deeper respect for it. This opportunity has allowed me to learn more about museum operations and deepen my appreciation for art and history.

Monday 8^th July 2024

Monday morning began with a warm welcome from the Co-Production Volunteer Manager, Jess White. After a brief orientation, informing us about the week ahead over a cup of coffee. After our debrief, Jess gave us a tour of the building and introduced us to all the friendly members of staff. This warm welcome helped us feel comfortable and familiar with the museum’s environment and team. I then joined a fascinating spotlight tour, where I learned about the rich history of John and Joséphine Bowes which I found thoroughly enriching and enjoyable. The tour guide was very clear and articulate, making the tour easy to follow. Their enthusiasm was contagious, which kept the group engaged. It flowed logically from one exhibit to the next.
One of the highlights of The Bowes Musuem is its beautiful grounds, where we enjoyed serene and calm lunch breaks amidst stunning scenery.

On Monday afternoon, we engaged in planning a volunteer summer celebration event, brainstorming and organising ideas for the occasion. We discussed themes, activities and logistics, ensuring that every detail would contribute to a memorable experience for all the volunteers. This collaboration effort allowed us to share creative ideas and work as a team.

We wrapped the day with a debrief session with Jess, reflecting on our progress and discussing the next steps for the week.

Tuesday 9^th July 2024

On Tuesday, we started our day at the Museum where we were warmly greeted by the learning team. They gave us an insightful introduction to their team and department, providing us with a comprehensive overview of their model, programming, and collections framework. We also delved into the intricacies of their school program and began discussing the research required for the upcoming Floriography workshop.

Floriography, also known as the language of flowers, captivated our attention as we explored the museum’s three main galleries. Our task was to identify paintings that prominently featured flowers or vibrant colors that could be linked to specific meanings in floriography. This involved not only observing the visual elements but also delving into historical contexts and symbolic interpretations associated with different flowers.

After documenting our findings, we embarked on researching how these paintings were connected to floriography. This included uncovering the meanings and symbolism behind the flowers depicted in the artworks, enriching our understanding of how art can communicate deeper messages through symbolism.

Following a lunch break, we collaborated closely with the Museum’s team to brainstorm ways to present our research in a manner that would be informative, engaging, and enjoyable for school groups. We explored various interactive and creative approaches to ensure that the workshop would effectively convey the beauty and significance of floriography to young learners, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Wednesday 10^th July 2024

Wednesday morning began with a warm welcome from the production team at the Museum. For the first hour, we worked on assembling a large-font booklet designed to make information about the pieces in the upcoming exhibition ‘Kith and Kinship: Norman Cornish and L. S. Lowry’ more accessible to visitors. This booklet aims to enhance visitors’ understanding and enjoyment as they explore the exhibition space.

Following this, we then helped the team in unwrapping pieces of art scheduled for installation later in the day. We gained valuable insights into the meticulous planning and execution involved in preparing for exhibitions.

In the afternoon, we actively participated in installing display cases. We were given the amazing opportunity to look through old sketchbooks from both artists and choose some of our favourite pages to present along with some larger scale pieces from both of their work. We were even trusted to hang two of the paintings in the room by doing so we learnt how important it was to be precise when hanging the paintings and the amount of thought and preparation that goes into each display.

Thursday 11^th July 2024

Thursday morning began with engaging conservation tasks at the Museum in the Fashion & Textiles department. We delved into cleaning objects stored within the Museum, learning first-hand about the meticulous care required to preserve these artifacts. Particularly fascinating was the importance of safeguarding fabrics from pests, such as flies, which can damage materials if not kept at bay. We discovered the various methods employed to ensure these delicate textiles remain protected and pristine.

In the afternoon, we were involved in a different aspect of museum operations. We assisted in transporting valuable ceramics from their stores to the vaults located just below ground level. This task highlighted the careful handling and logistical considerations necessary to safeguard such precious items.

Working with the collections team was a challenging day as it tested both Carys and I mentally and physically, yet it was still incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun. It made us realise the work that goes on behind the scenes and the care that goes into protecting these items.

Friday 12^th July 2024

To round off the week, we had a one to one catch up with Jess to provide feedback on our experiences and discuss our thoughts on the week.

We also enjoyed a lovely lunch together at Café Bowes, which we gratefully appreciated and was a great way to conclude the week.

As my work experience week at The Bowes Museum ends, I reflect on how fortunate I have been to have this opportunity. It has been a truly enriching experience, deepening my understanding of the Museum and allowing me to forge connections with the dedicated staff here. Each day has been filled with invaluable insights and hands-on learning that have solidified my aspiration to pursue a career in museums.

I am particularly grateful for the well-organised week planned by Jess, the Co-Production Volunteer Manager. Her thoughtful guidance ensured that we not only gained insights into various departments but also enjoyed every moment of our time here. From exploring the serene grounds during lunch breaks to assisting in conservation tasks and exhibition preparations, every experience has been meaningful and educational.

Getting to know the Museum’s team has been a highlight of my week. Their passion for their work and willingness to share their knowledge has been inspiring. I leave here with a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving and presenting cultural heritage.

This week has affirmed my desire to work in museums, where I can continue to learn, engage with visitors, and contribute to the preservation and promotion of art and history. I am grateful to The Bowes Museum for this invaluable experience and look forward to pursuing my passion further in the future.