The Bowes Museum is located in the historic market town of
Barnard Castle, Co. Durham. It was purpose built in the 19th Century
by John and Joséphine Bowes; as a way of introducing the wider world of art to
the local people. John met his wife Joséphine whilst exploring his interest in
the arts on a trip to Paris; they had the idea of creating the museum and
started plans for the building and collecting treasures to been held within it.
With various galleries over three floors and frequently changing exhibitions of
both nationally and internationally renowned works of art; there is sure to be
something for everyone to enjoy.
I was particularly interested in what the First Floor of the
museum had to offer: European Decorative Art, John and Joséphine Story
Galleries and of course the award winning Fashion & Textile Gallery. The
John and Joséphine Story Galleries hosts memorabilia from the couples personal
lives as well as video presentations; all of which tell the story of how the
remarkable couple met, their lives whilst in Paris and what led them to embark
upon their amazing museum project.
The part I found most interesting – probably because of its
fashion connection – was the re-creation of the dress Joséphine Bowes is wearing in her portrait (above the
mantle mirror).
Overmantel mirror with portrait of
Joséphine Bowes; 1882-1887
The ball gown was
re-created by an internationally celebrated theatrical and historical
costumier, Luca Costigliolo. Having dedicated his life to the study of historical
clothing and the original techniques used in their cut and construction; he
made Joséphine’s dress in the museum in front of the visitors, between 25th
June and 6th July 2012. This process was also filmed and can be
viewed on a television within the room.
The re-created ball gown by Luca
Costigliolo.
I
found this really interesting and thought it was such a lovely idea; not only
have they managed to re-create the outfit but you can actually watch the
process in which it was made.
Moving
on the best part of the museum (well in my opinion at least!) The Fashion & Textile Gallery.
The
gallery houses a permanent collection of garments arranged in chronological
order. This arrangement works well as it enable you to ‘walk through’ the
centuries and decades and easily see the changes in silhouettes and styles.
The
garments are displayed on invisible mannequins in glass boxes, giving the
audience a 360° view of each and every garment.
Highlights
of the include bodices, jackets and shoes that once belonged to the
Empress Eugenie, consort of Napoleon
III; who was also known as ‘The Countess of Crinoline’, she was a leader of
fashion and was dressed by leading couturier Charles Worth.
Below
are a few of my favourite finds:
Matching Day & Evening Bodices
C. 1855
Wedding Dress
C.1880
Evening Coat
1919-1925
There were so many items of interest at the museum that
quite simply I can’t write about them all. It was the first time that I had
visited The Bowes Museum and I would definitely recommend it to any with an
interest in historical treasures; particularly those interested in historical
costume.
Visit their website for more information and to plan a visit:
http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/
I loved the re-created ball gown! We shall have to revisit The Bowes Museum again, was a good day.
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