Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle 1850 - 1880

This photograph of the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle was taken by James Valentine. It’s a simple albumen print, a process that involves coating paper with egg whites and silver nitrate to create a light-sensitive surface. The real story here is the building itself. Conceived by John and Joséphine Bowes in the 19th century, it’s a monument to their shared passion for art and collecting. Think about the sheer amount of labor required to construct a building of this scale, from quarrying the stone to carving the intricate details. The Bowes Museum is a testament to the social and economic forces at play during the Industrial Revolution. By focusing on the museum's materials, making, and context, we can better understand its full meaning and significance. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.