As some of you may be aware I am currently volunteering at The Bowes Museum and I had promised to keep you all updated with what I get up too so here you go!
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The Bowes Museum, Victoria McAfee.
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First and foremost let's take a look at a brief history of the museum and it's founders.
This glorious piece of architecture is situated in the historic market town of Barnard Castle, and was purpose built by John and Joséphine Bowes during the 19th Century to house a vast collection of fine and decorative arts.
John was an Eton educated, successful businessman and Joséphine an actress in the Théatre des Variétés, Paris, owned by John, as well as a talented amateur painter. They both shared a love of the arts, and wanted to open up the museum as a means of introducing the local people to art from all across the world.
John and Joséphine Bowes, Images courtesy of The Bowes Museum.
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The project was vast, the scale and grandeur colossal, their passion and enthusiasm immeasurable.
Joséphine laid the foundation stone in 1869 and said:
‘I lay the bottom stone, and you, Mr Bowes, will lay the top stone.”
The building grew rapidly, as did their collection, with the art-loving couple sourcing an incredible 15,000 objects, bought within a mere 12 years!
In 1874 Joséphine passed away and John’s motivation for the project waned. 11 years later John died. He never saw the completion of the building, and sadly never laid the top stone as Joséphine had wished.
Under the leadership of trustees the museum opened to the public on the 10th of June 1892, attracting close to 63,000 visitors in its first year. The collection is vast and houses a diverse array of work from all over Europe, spanning the three floors of the building.
Today The Bowes Museum continues to attract, inform and inspire its guests with a wonderful history, exquisite permanent collections and some truly exciting exhibitions and shows, as well as various activities, glorious grounds, and its park, café and shop.
And now onto the main event!
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‘Fashion Fades, Style Is Eternal.’
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| Image courtesy of The Bowes Museum |
From the pairing of The Bowes Museum and the Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent comes one of the most highly anticipated exhibitions of the year: Yves Saint Laurent: Style Is Eternal, from the 11th of July to the 25th of October 2015.
This will be the very first exhibition to be held in the UK that will present one of the most comprehensive displays of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s work. The exhibition will consist of 50 iconic pieces, including the Russian Collection, the Mondrian dresses and the Tuxedo.
I have been working in the Marketing Department with a truly wonderful and dedicated team of individuals in the lead up to the exhibition and I can tell you that the tireless effort of all involved, from all sectors, and all levels, coupled with the incredible work itself will blow you away.
I was in the museum today and the vibrant buzz of passion and excitement was palpable as people from all over the building prepare for the preview and public opening nights. Tickets have been flying off the virtual shelves, with opening slots booked up and maxed out. The interest in this exhibition is incredible, so make sure you book your tickets now!
I also have the absolutely incredible opportunity to be present on the preview night where I will be documenting the evening’s events! I will be writing a guest blog on the subject so be sure to keep an eye out for details on that!
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