The Bowes Museum Blog

When considering work experience, I always knew I’d like to go to The Bowes Museum. I’ve been visiting the Museum from a very young age and have always been fascinated by the vast amount of work that goes into the Museum and, to be able to say I helped contribute to that is rather motivating.

Monday commenced with coffee in the café with Jess followed swiftly by meeting the lovely team. Everyone was very welcoming which allowed the experience to be even more enjoyable. Shortly after, we started the spotlight tour led by one of the Museum’s lovely volunteers. The tour was thoroughly interesting, and I was engaged for its entirety. I had not known much about the life of the Museum’s founders’ but after the tour, I found myself wanting to learn more. We then gave feedback and had lunch. After lunch, Jess tasked us with planning a summer event for the volunteers. Much was to consider such as food and catering, seating arrangements and activities.

Tuesday’s activities were particularly enjoyable as we worked with the Learning team. In the morning we were tasked with researching the floriography within paintings in the three main galleries. First, we looked around them to identify any symbolic colours, flowers, plants, trees or fruit within the paintings. Next, we took to researching the meaning of different flowers as well as the psychology of colour. This was then followed by a lunch break and then in the afternoon, we met with the team to compile our findings and turn them into a lesson plan for schools visiting the museum. Abbie and I chose to focus on conveying this information to KS1 children and came to the conclusion that something performative would be most effective for their learning. We considered the needs of different children as well as their levels of excitement as this allowed us to create a more accurate plan. Tuesday was thoroughly enjoyable as the team were so friendly and made me feel confident enough to share my ideas.

On Wednesday, we worked with the Production team to help create the new Cornish and Lowry exhibition. In the morning we were helping to compile an information booklet for the public visiting the museum. This contained interpretations of the different artworks within the exhibit. Then, we worked more closely with the art, learning about the different ways it can be displayed as well as a lovely talk with one of the members of staff on the importance of finding a career that you love. The team also permitted us to pick out art we felt highlighted the talent of the different artists and place them the glass displays. It was evident that the team were passionate about their work which made us feel empowered as well as confident enough to hang some paintings up in the afternoon. With some help, we drilled screws into the walls to display the art. Wednesday was particularly enjoyable as the team made us feel like one of them which made so much of a difference to our self-confidence.

Thursday focused on the conservation of objects with the Collections team. In the morning we were shown around the Fashion & Textiles stores, acquiring knowledge about the different ways to store and preserve items. We then took to cleaning the stores, vacuuming the items wrapped in plastic carefully, to rid them or any flies, dust or potential pests lurking. We then swept down the stairs and dusted them. After a lunch break, we transferred the ceramics from different stores to the vault that members of the museum are invited to look around a few times a year. This was probably the most difficult task of the week as not only was it physically strenuous it was mentally challenging too as caution was key.

To finalise our work experience, on Friday we compiled the majority of our blogs. Then for lunch, we ate in the café and had very pleasant talks. Altogether, I have thoroughly enjoyed my work experience with The Bowes Museum and would highly recommend.