#TheBowesMuseum
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bloodraynes.bsky.social
Beautifully creative AnnaLois 😌👌🏼👌🏼 what a great capture for #PalacesAndGardens #AboveAndBelow

Awesome shot my friend ☺️👍🏼

#EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #ceiling #goldleaf #C19
#TheBowesMuseum #lookdown #lookup #CountyDurham
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
March 12, 2026 at 4:15 PM
anforsorrow.bsky.social
This video from the museum shows in great detail all the diferent components of the machine, like the rotating glass rods simulating water, or the mechanical fish:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECuS...
Swan Study Week
YouTube video by TheBowesMuseum
www.youtube.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:47 PM
bloodraynes.bsky.social
That’s amazing AnnaLois!! Fabulously captured my friend 🤩👍🏼

Twisted Fishing
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #Twisted

'Twisted' info in the alt text.

#EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #TheBowesMuseum #BarnardCastle #CountyDurham #SilverSwan #fish #C18th #mechanicalwonder
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
April 10, 2026 at 9:43 AM
thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
🦢 Today The Silver Swan had her health check, thanks to The Cumbria Clock Company. Regular care keeps her magic alive for future generations. ✨ #SilverSwan #TheBowesMuseum
September 23, 2025 at 11:47 AM
annalois36.bsky.social
Silver Swan
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #PalaceMusic

#EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #PalaceArts #TheBowesMuseum #BarnardCastle #CountyDurham #SilverSwan #C18th #mechanicalwonder @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone)
Firstly, as a disclaimer, The Bowes Museum is a worthy entrant for a 'Palace' because it looks like one externally and internally. Check it out on the website note at the bottom! This is the breathtaking 'Silver Swan', an incredible C18th mechanically-automated creature. It was made in about 1773 and plays a tune each time it 'performs'. Amusingly the museum staff never know which of a selection of music is going to be heard each time! Once the mechanism is wound, the swan moves as if it is trying to catch a fish. The 'water' surrounding the swan on the photograph also moves. It is made up of fine, twisted glass rods which rotate making the water looks like it is rippling. It 'performs' at least once a day and it is an absolute must see if you're in the area. Image looks head on at a shining silver swan that looks like it is made of fine, tiny, stacked, silver plates (which it kind of is so it can move). It sits of a flat rectangular base surrounded by small silver-work vine leaves. This sits on a second rectangular base with an extended area at the front which contains the moving water ripples explained above, and is surrounded by huge, overlapping silver-work vine leaves. The swan dips its head down towards this area when it moves. whole thing is housed in a glass case. Behind this is a pale yellow wall upon which are displayed numerous beautiful paintings for visitors to enjoy, with some white information signs below. For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Do visit too! It is SO good! Gift shop is stocked with lots of treasures and treats.
August 20, 2026 at 5:02 AM
annalois36.bsky.social
Look Down to Look Up
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #AboveAndBelow

#EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #ceiling #goldleaf #C19
#TheBowesMuseum #lookdown #lookup #CountyDurham
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)
Photograph taken using my android phone camera of the very fancy gold leaf ceiling featuring coats of arms, at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. Cleverly, visitors are encouraged to look at the ceiling using large mirrors...genius idea! The ceiling was designed by John Bowes in 1879 and brought to life by the phenomenal painting skills of Clement Heaton. The image shows a large, hand-held, rectangular mirror with a curved black edge above a beautiful herringbone floor. In the mirror is the reflection of the most tasteful 'ceiling of bling' I've ever seen. Orderly pattern of rectangles of gold each with a different coat of arms as the prominent design. Other touches of colour include russet, burgundy, deep green and antique white. The Bowes Museum is a worthy entrant for a 'Palace' because it looks like one externally and internally. Had it not been for the philanthropic efforts of its owners, it could very well have become a stately home. For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
March 12, 2026 at 8:32 AM
annalois36.bsky.social
All About The Flowers
for today's #PalacesAndGardens theme of #PompAndPatterns

(Matching patterns - textiles and architecture)

#EastCoastKin #ECK #photography #textiles #TheBowesMuseum #BarnardCastle #ceiling #OsborneHouse #IsleOfWight
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(iPhone and Android phone camera)
A collage of two photographs, one above and one below. Have 'matched' the flower design in both images. The top image is a close up of beautiful cream Irish crochet on a stunning pale mint green jacket, on display at The Bowes Museum in County Durham. The crochet is intricate with prominent, multi-petalled flowers, and other flora. Have said before that this spectacular museum could easily be a very lavish country house. For once I was organised and took a photo of the accompanying clothing description. Here you are fashion nerds... Dress, 1910 - 12 A summer outfit which displays all the fashionable features, a cutaway jacket and narrow skirt, with decorative buttons and magyar sleeves. Irish crochet, used for the collar and cuffs, reached the peak of popularity around 1910. Paul Poiret's Directoire line of 1908, based on the neo-classical, was very influential. The wearer married in 1912, so this could be her going away outfit. Cotton with woven blue stripe, Irish crochet. British, Bequest of Mrs M.S. Gordon. (Thanks Mrs Gordon - it's a stunner!) The bottom photograph is of a section of the plaster ceiling in the Durbar Room at Osborne House, Queen Victoria's summer palace on the Isle of Wight. It is off white, ornate and contains large flower shapes between the geometric grid system. Both places are absolutely worth a visit...and the gift shop in each, beyond tempting!
September 17, 2026 at 5:30 AM
annalois36.bsky.social
Twisted Fishing
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #Twisted

'Twisted' info in the alt text.

#EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #TheBowesMuseum #BarnardCastle #CountyDurham #SilverSwan #fish #C18th #mechanicalwonder
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)
Firstly, as a disclaimer, The Bowes Museum is a worthy entrant for a 'Palace' because it looks like one externally and internally. Check it out on the website note at the bottom! Had it not been for the philanthropic efforts of its owners, it could very well have become a stately home. Now that's out of the way, the 'twisted' nature of this, is in its moving parts.This forms part of the waters around the 'Silver Swan', an incredible C18th mechanically-automated creature. It was made in about 1773 and plays a tune each time it 'performs'. Amusingly they never know which of a selection of music is going to be heard each time! Once the mechanism is wound, the swan moves as if it is trying to catch a fish. The 'water' seen on the photograph also moves. It is made up of fine, twisted (there's the twisted bit) glass rods which rotate making the water looks like it is rippling. It 'performs' at least once a day and it pulls quite a crowd. Image shows two 'ponds' with a waterfall of silver leaves and embankments of the same. The water looks like shimmery silver wire (but it isn’t) and leaping out of the water are four small silver fish. A blue light shines down on the water giving it an iridescent look. For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
April 9, 2026 at 1:45 PM
annalois36.bsky.social
Nobody Puts Music in a Corner
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #SpringConcert

Sarcasm in the alt text.

#EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #TheBowesMuseum #BarnardCastle #CountyDurham #clarinetoroboe #music #sculpture #sarcasm
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)
I've been practising for weeks! Have driven the missus crazy playing the same tunes over and over again. She's threatened to leave me twice if I didn't put a sock in it. And for what? To be stuck in a corner behind a signboard! Well thanks! Am dressed up all fancy too. Check out my trousers...yes they make my thighs look impressive but I'm losing blood flow from the knees down. At least if I lose feeling in my feet I won't think to look down at these shiny 'poop flickers' (our Barry told me that - he learnt it from the kids at school) I've squeezed my size 12s into. Our lass keeps eyeing up my jacket too, sadly when it's hung up, rather than with me in it. Anyway, two hours down and another three to go...wouldn't mind but they haven't even opened the door to let the guests in yet! Still, if I get any tips, it'll help pay for our Barry's school trip to Beamish next month. Photograph taken crouched down looking up at a gilded sculpture sideways on, of a man playing what I thought was a clarinet but perhaps on closer inspection is an oboe. He's dressed in a fancy outfit including a waisted jacket and shiny peddle pushers. His shoes are long and elongated with a fancy buckle. He has beautiful dark curly hair and a hat on top. As he plays he looks towards a a gilded mirror on the opposite wall next to which is a closed, arched cream door into the room. In front of him is a signboard likely giving information about the pieces in display. When visiting, the sculpture isn't really in a corner, though the photograph looks like it. There is a second sculpture opposite of the same dimensions. The Bowes Museum is a worthy entrant for a 'Palace' because it looks like one externally and internally. Had it not been for the philanthropic efforts of its owners, it could very well have become a stately home. For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
May 7, 2026 at 8:01 AM
annalois36.bsky.social
Feeling Fancy
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #LittleWonders

#EastCoastKin #photography #lace #vintage #antique #detail #fashion #costume #pattern #TheBowesMuseum #CountyDurham
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)
Photograph taken of an exquisite antique white, lace cuff. The craftwork is phenomenal! I stupidly didn't note down details or I'd be sharing exactly what it is, so you'll just have to marvel in blissful ignorance. Image shows a close-up of a lace cuff of a woman's dress. The wrist band bears an ivy leaf pattern. The seam attached to the cuff seems to be some kind of ladder stitch with small, evenly spaced bobbles. The cuff itself is fine net with a sizeable floral design around the edge in a repeating pattern. All in an antique white colour. Apologies to anyone reading this and cringing at my description but lesson learned, I will take better notes next time I visit! Also, The Bowes Museum is a worthy entrant for a 'Palace' because it looks like one! For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
February 26, 2026 at 9:49 AM
annalois36.bsky.social
Ladies, Ladies, Ladies
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #FacesEverywhere

Sarcasm in the alt text.

#EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #TheBowesMuseum
#CountyDurham #Lemot #Napoleon #C19th #sculpture
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)
A little bit of Monica in my life... A little bit of Erica by my side... A little bit of Rita is all I need... A little bit of Tina is what I see... A little bit of Sandra in the sun... A little bit of Mary all night long... A little bit of Jessica here I am... A little bit of you makes me your man!... If only I had legs, I reckon I'd be whizzing my bevvy of beauties around the floor to some good old Mambo No. 5! Still, look at me! Irresistible, despite being just bust up. Handsome I know, I get it from my mother's side - they were all lookers. Have waves of thick hair that my follically challenged mates would kill for. My ladies love to run their fingers through it! Can't breathe in this new jacket though - bit on the snug fit side, but the shirt's a winner as I can rest my chin on it comfortably for hours! So if someone could just turn me round slightly, I could get a look at my date options...it's like classical Tinder this is! Will Napoleon find his Josephine? Will his thick crop of hair start to thin? Will you all get the Lou Bega lyrics out of your head? Image shows a C19th marble bust of Napoleon in his military uniform by French sculptor François-Frédéric Lemot on display at the incredible Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. Photograph taken from the side so the light creates shadow on areas of his face. To his left (or right) are six paintings of beautiful ladies in heavy gold frames. The nearest wears a bright red dress in an Empire-line style. The wall behind is a deep, matt navy blue. Had it not been used as a museum, the building would make a huge and very fine country residence. For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
June 4, 2026 at 1:31 PM
annalois36.bsky.social
Between the Balustrade
for #Stunday

#EastCoastKin #photography #TheBowesMuseum #museum #BarnardCastle #CountyDurham #garden #autumn #stone

Apologies for previous posts getting the county wrong!
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
Photograph taken looking through the fancy stone balustrade onto the perfect formal garden in front of The Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle. Crouched down on the steps to get this angle, so a little surprised they let me in! Two large, ageing stone balusters, take up most of the frame. Between them is a beautiful formal garden with green grass and low flowerbeds, with a fountain in the middle. In the distance are autumn trees, the gatehouse and a moody sky overhead through which the sun is starting to break through. Absolutely wonderful museum to visit and the local area is lovely too with lots to visit.
November 23, 2025 at 7:49 AM
annalois36.bsky.social
Sleep Tight
for #Two by #BlueSkyArtShow

'Two Sleeping Children' by Carl Fredrich Holbeck (1857)

#EastCoastKin #photography #sculpture #marble #culture #TheBowesMuseum #sleeping #CountyDurham
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)
Photograph taken of a marble sculpture called 'Two Sleeping Children' by Carl Fredrich Holbeck on display at the fantastic Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham. Image shows a close up of the faces of two toddler children, a boy and girl curled up together, fast asleep. The girl is wearing a bonnet. The boy has soft curls. The sculpture is situated in a window so the light and shadows are interesting. It's a stunning sculpture and I could have looked at it for ages had there not been so many other things to see too. The Bowes Museum is well worth a visit. Lots to see nearby including Barnard Castle and Egglestone Priory.
February 21, 2026 at 4:52 PM
annalois36.bsky.social
Anna in Paris
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #TimePassages

(Anna wasn't in Paris!)

#EastCoastKin #photography #clock #antique #C18th #CountyDurham #TheBowesMuseum
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)
Photograph of a very fancy and fabulous bracket clock from about 1750, made by J. Gardelle of Paris. It's made of wood and gilt-bronze. Behind the clock is a beautiful cream and gilt wall panel. Found this elaborate stunner on display in The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. Although it was built and remains as a museum, it would absolutely fit the mould of a very large and beautiful country palace/house. Absolutely worth a visit if you're in the area or a day out if you're not. Whoever stocks the gift shop is a genius too...no way of not falling in love with many an item in there!
January 15, 2026 at 1:27 PM
annalois36.bsky.social
Curve Hugger
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #UpholsteryAndTextiles

#EastCoastKin #photography #fashion #textiles #sheathdress #silksatin #fabric #style #TheBowesMuseum #museum #BarnardCastle #NorthYorkshire
(Android phone camera)

@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
Pre-kid, I rocked a dress like this. 1932 crêpe backed silk satin, sheath dress, cut to hug the body. Absolutely love it! Would love to pull a dress like this off again, in an exciting (and more forgiving) colour. Photograph showing a cream silk satin, floor length evening dress cut on the bias with twisted ropes of fabric providing interest around the neck and arm holes. On display in the textile collection at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. Technically not a palace but if you saw the building it was built in the style of one and it has a very fancy garden too. Well worth a visit and so much on display. Their storage methods of such amazing works are fascinating too!
November 20, 2025 at 7:32 AM
geertje-geertsma.bsky.social
In de categorie #sprookjes en subliem vakmanschap, The Silver Swan. Voor een short cut kun je de eerste 4 minuten overslaan.

Te zien in het Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Teesdale (GB). De zwaan is in 1773 gemaakt door John Joseph Merlin (1735–1803) en James Cox (1723–1800).
Swan Study Week
YouTube video by TheBowesMuseum
youtu.be
September 11, 2025 at 9:53 AM
annalois36.bsky.social
Care and Curation
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #UpholsteryAndTextiles

#EastCoastKin #photography #curation #textiles #textilescare #TheBowesMuseum #museum #BarnardCastle #NorthYorkshire
(Android phone camera)

@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
Photograph of an area of fabric storage in The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. Vital part of looking after a textile collection and almost as fascinating as the collection itself. Yes, I surprised myself getting this excited about storage solutions! The museum has various areas where you can learn about how pieces are cleaned, stored and cared for. A large fluted, dark tinted glass door is drawn back to show rolls of wrapped textiles protected by cream fabric. To the bottom right of the image, the glass door has beautiful gold letter spelling out 'ROLLED'.
November 20, 2025 at 4:15 PM
billfromlongisland.bsky.social
youtu.be/ECuS6HDa-9Y?...
Swan Study Week
YouTube video by TheBowesMuseum
youtu.be
July 1, 2026 at 3:01 PM
bloodraynes.bsky.social
Fabulous shot Anna my friend!! 🤩❤️👍🏼

Have Palanquin, Will Travel
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #travelandtransport

Photograph details in the alt text.

#EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #Palanquin #Norimono #MidC18th #TheBowesMuseum
#CountyDurham #travels
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
April 24, 2026 at 1:09 PM
annalois36.bsky.social
Have Palanquin, Will Travel
for #PalacesAndGardens theme of #travelandtransport

Photograph details in the alt text.

#EastCoastKin #photography #ECK #Palanquin #Norimono #MidC18th #TheBowesMuseum
#CountyDurham #travels
@thebowesmuseum.bsky.social
(Android phone camera)
Photograph taken at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. Had it not been used as a museum, it would make a huge and very fine country residence. For further info, do take a look at their website which is really good: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Image shows a Japanese palanquin which was purchased in France by the museum owner and founder, Mr John Bowes. It is highly decorated outside in black lacquer with gold maki-e in swirls, flowers and leaves. The inside is bright (see the next photo for info on that). This would have been used by wealthy ladies of the Samurai class to travel about. It was carried on two long, decorated poles by about by six men. I was drawn to this when I saw it in the museum. It's simply exquisite. If it wasn't so valuable, I would have loved to have climbed inside to take a proper look at the paintings. The image focuses on the inside of the black and gold lacquer Japanese Palanquin, also known as a Norimono. It is of smooth, dark wood with a little bench seat at the back. Behind the seat is a vibrant scene in a Japanese court garden in gold, mint green, red, and pale pink with touches of blue. On the wall to the right of the seat is a floor to ceiling panel in gold painted with various scenes edged in black and lots of white cherry blossom trees. Saying the image focuses on the inside, it does shows the edge of the exterior in greater detail, including brass handles and fancy edging.
April 23, 2026 at 4:28 PM
carlydraws.bsky.social
Thanks Thomas! The Silver Swan is a real automaton, and very beautiful!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECuS...
Swan Study Week
YouTube video by TheBowesMuseum
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2024 at 11:18 AM
thecreativecore.bsky.social
💥 #TheBowesMuseum Curiosity Project shortlisted for #PermanentExhibition of the Year 2025 at the #MandHAwards 💥
 
We enjoyed helping the museum reimagine the visitor experience across its new galleries and collection vaults, using objects to spark conversation, curiosity and creativity ✨
museumsandheritage.com Museums + Heritage @museumsandheritage.com · Mar 13
The wait is over. The Museums + Heritage Awards 2025 shortlist is here! 🎉

Each year, the #MandHAwards set out to recognise the exceptional talent, dedication, and creativity across the museums and heritage sector and this year is no exception.

awards.museumsandheritage.com/2025-shortli...
March 13, 2025 at 6:48 PM
corridor8.bsky.social
‘In a way, these new Founders’ Galleries are about...the changes and challenges museums like the Bowes must face.’

Lesley Guy reviews the newly reimagined Founders’ Galleries at The Bowes Museum @thebowesmuseum, County Durham.

corridor8.co.uk/article/the-...
The Founders’ Galleries at The Bowes Museum — Corridor8
The newly renovated Founders’ Galleries occupy three rooms of the Bowes Museum and tell the story of Joséphine and John Bowes, the collectors who
corridor8.co.uk
September 14, 2026 at 12:22 PM
corridor8.bsky.social
‘Westwood’s designs do the things that fashion does, but they also inspire me to experiment with the form of my everyday life.’

Lesley Guy reviews ‘Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary’ at @thebowesmuseum, County Durham, on until 6 September 2026.

corridor8.co.uk/article/vivi...
Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary — Corridor8
A huge collection of garments and accessories by fashion icon Vivienne Westwood are on display in Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary at
corridor8.co.uk
July 24, 2026 at 11:13 AM
howardlake.bsky.social
.@TheBowesMuseum reaches £1m fundraising target for #matchedgiving endowment fund:via @neconnected #catalyst

neconnected.co.uk/museum-delight…
Museum Delighted to Reach £1M Fundraising Target - North East Connected
The Bowes Museum is delighted to announce its success in reaching a £1m fundraising target within the final month of a four year campaign.
neconnected.co.uk
December 5, 2024 at 12:21 AM