Winter/Spring Exhibitions
Julian Opie Collected Works 25 October 2014 – 22 February 2015
17th Century Spanish Painting: The Golden Age 11 October – 1 February 2015
A celebration of the conservation of the Museum’s important painting The Last Communion of Saint Peter Nolasco by Francisco Pacheco. This exhibition investigates Pacheco and the Sevillian School of painting, exploring his role as the master of the second generation of 17th Century painters in Seville.
This exhibition brings together the works of Julian Opie with those from his personal collection of works of art from the ancient world and 17th and 18th century British Portraiture. Such a juxtaposition is revealing in many ways, in particular in throwing light on the inspiration for Opie’s practise as an artist, but also in revealing the complexity within the nature of portraiture; what it means , how it is done and how it has changed throughout the history of art. Julian Opie has had many exhibitions around the world in the last 30 years, and now for the first time we have an opportunity to see his work within the context of his collection which offers a fascinating insight into his work and his collecting instinct.
This exhibition is part of a programme of events in the region organised together with Auckland Castle and Durham University, celebrating Spanish art. Related Events
Spanish Symposium 23 – 25 October 2014
This ground-breaking three day conference takes place across three venues in County Durham; Auckland Castle, Durham University and The Bowes Museum, celebrating the important collections of Spanish art in the county, the largest outside London. Leading international academics and curators will speak on aspects of Spanish art and research, referencing the outstanding Zurbarans at Auckland Castle and loans to The Bowes Museum from the National Gallery, the Prado in Madrid and York Museums Trust. The exhibition loans will complement The Bowes Museum’s own collection of Spanish art, much of it acquired by the founder, John Bowes, in 1862. The exhibition will also feature the Museum’s own major work by the Spanish artist Pacheco, which has undergone years of conservation and is seen on display for the first time since it was acquired. Visit the Museum’s website for further details and booking information.
Birds of Paradise: Plumes & Feathers in Fashion 25 October 2014 – Spring 2015
This luxurious and elegant exhibition celebrates the art of the plumier and feathers in fashion and haute couture. Featuring extravagant catwalk creations and elegant eveningwear together with exquisite shoes and chic accessories from Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and Jean-Paul Gaultier the exhibition is sure to enthral and delight.